Risk of breast cancer

More women in the United States get breast cancer than any other type of cancer (except for skin cancer). The number of cases per 1,000 women has increased slightly every year over the last 50 years. It is the second leading cause of death from cancer in women (lung cancer causes the most deaths from cancer in women). Any woman can get breast cancer, but several things make breast cancer more likely to occur. These are called risk factors. Some of these risk factors are as follows.

Age ‑ Breast cancer is more likely to develop as you grow older.

History of breast cancer ‑ If you have already had breast cancer, you are more likely to develop breast cancer again.

Family history ‑ If your mother or sister had breast cancer, you are more likely to develop breast cancer, especially if they had it at an early age.

Other breast diseases ‑ If you have had a breast biopsy specimen that showed certain types of benign breast conditions, you may be more likely to develop breast cancer. However, for most women, the ordinary "lumpiness" they feel in their breasts does not increase their risk of breast cancer.

Mammogram (Not included in the CancerCheck program)

A mammogram is a special X‑ray of the breast that can often find tumors that are too small for you or your doctor to feel. A mammogram is the most effective tool for the early detection of breast cancer. Your doctor may suggest that you have a mammogram, especially if you have any of the risk factors listed above. The usefulness of mammograms may be different depending on your age.