Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, excluding skin cancers. It represents roughly 30% of all new cancer cases in women each year. According to the American Cancer Society’s projections for 2024:
- There will be about 310,720 new cases of breast cancer
- An estimated 42,250 women will die of breast cancer
Some women are at a higher risk than others for developing this disease. Here, we share important information for women who live with that risk.
What Contributes to Breast Cancer Risk?
The average woman has about a 12.5% risk of developing breast cancer. “High risk” is anything greater than 20%. Experts assess risk in a few different ways. For example, family history. Any woman who has one or more first-degree relatives with breast cancer is at a higher risk for developing the cancer herself. A first-degree relative would be a sister or mother.
Women who have had certain pathologies are also placed in the high-risk category. This includes atypical ductal hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ, which are non-cancerous breast lesions that are linked to a higher risk of breast cancer later in life. Genetics plays a significant role as well. Some women choose to undergo genetic testing to assess risk. It’s important to enlist the help of a skilled genetic counselor to understand the results and what they might mean long term.
Expanding Upon Genetic Mutation Risk
When women get a breast cancer diagnosis, a common question they ask is, “How did this happen?” In most cases, there isn’t a clear answer. Approximately 95% of breast cancer cases occur due to random events with no identifiable cause. This can be both comforting and frustrating for patients. It means there was likely nothing they could have done to prevent the disease. Yet, for a small percentage—around 5%—a genetic mutation is the underlying cause.
These genetic mutations often involve genes responsible for DNA repair. When these genes fail to function, the risk of developing cancer increases. Some of these mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes) are associated with a high risk of breast cancer, with chances ranging from 60% to 80%. Other mutations carry a lower (but still great) risk—between 30% and 40%. Although these genetic factors are less common, understanding them is crucial. Experts can then guide individuals toward appropriate screening and preventive measures.
Some women choose to undergo breast removal surgery to eliminate risk. Knowledge is power, and having genetic information allows women to make the decision they feel is best for their situation.
Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations
Guidelines recommend that women at average risk for breast cancer begin regular screening with mammography starting at age 40. This early detection measure is crucial. It increases the likelihood of identifying cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage. For women identified as high-risk, screening may start as early as age 25.
Experts recommend high-risk women undergo more frequent screenings to enhance early detection. This usually involves a combination of mammograms and MRI scans. Mammograms provide detailed images of the breast tissue. MRIs offer a more sensitive scan that can detect abnormalities not visible on a mammogram. Together, these two methods offer a more comprehensive approach to monitoring breast health in high-risk individuals—aiming to catch any signs of cancer as early as possible.
Understanding Risk—and Preventing It
Women can take steps to both understand their risk and reduce it. It’s important to have conversations with family members. In doing so, women investigate if anyone in the lineage has had any type of cancer. For example, ovarian, pancreatic, melanoma or colon cancer. Attempt to go as far back in the family history as possible.
For breast cancer prevention, women can reduce their risk by implementing healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. It’s also important to maintain a healthy weight.
Listen to a Podcast
Having as much information as possible is powerful. Women can then make the most informed decisions about their breast health. In a recent podcast, we visited with Dr. Ethan Rogers, a breast surgeon affiliated with the Breast Health Center at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center. In the episode, Dr. Rogers provides essential information about breast cancer risk and offers advice about genetic assessment and counseling. Listen below or download a copy.
Quick Summary
Full Podcast
More to Read
- What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer in Younger Women
- Advances in Breast Cancer Treatments Keep Coming
- Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
- Battling Breast Cancer Before It Begins
Medically reviewed by Ethan Rogers, MD.
