In the midst of our busy lives, it's easy to overlook important health concerns like breast cancer risk. However, recent studies reveal a concerning rise in cancer rates among women under 50. In 2021, women under the age of 50 had an 82% higher cancer rate than men the same age, compared with 51% in 2002. The trend may be in part because of rising rates of breast cancer found in younger women.
Fortunately, understanding your breast cancer risk has never been easier. Let's explore how you can take charge of your health.
What Are Some Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?
Did you know that one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime? Surprisingly, 75% of these women have no family history of the disease. According to the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, women of average risk for breast cancer should begin annual screening mammograms starting at age 40.
At AdventHealth, when you come in for your regular screening mammogram, you will complete a questionnaire, and your individualized breast cancer risk will be calculated. Some women have an increased risk of developing breast cancer due to age, ethnicity, genetic factors and medical history. Some of these factors include:
- Age: Particularly after age 55
- Personal history: previous history of breast cancer
- Family history: A family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer
- Radiation exposure: radiation therapy treatment to the chest before the age of 30
- Breast density: dense breast tissue on mammograms
- High-risk lesions: Atypical or pre-cancerous lesions found through biopsy
- Ethnicity: African American women, some women of Jewish descent and other minority groups are at higher risk
Calculating Cancer Risk and Recommendations
Experts recommend that all women start discussing their breast cancer risk factors with their health care providers by age 30.* Getting this assessment is particularly important for Black, Jewish and other minority women, because they may be more likely to have genetic mutations associated with breast cancer or develop aggressive breast cancers.
Providers may use a breast cancer risk assessment mathematical model (many of which are freely available online) to calculate their patients’ breast cancer risk level. To determine the need for supplemental screening breast MRIs, the American Cancer Society recommends a risk model that includes family history assessment.
The following screening recommendations are suggested based on the breast cancer risk assessments:
Normal Risk:
- Lifetime Risk: Less than 15%
- Recommendations: Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Maintain a normal body weight, stay active, limit alcohol, and enjoy daily servings of fruits and vegetables.**
Moderate Risk:
- Lifetime Risk: 15% to 19%
- Criteria: Breast Density C or D, or a family history of two or more first-degree relatives with any combination of breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer or pancreatic cancer.***
- Recommendations: Consider additional imaging with a Contrast Enhanced Mammogram, Automated Breast Ultrasound (US), or sometimes an MRI. A genetics consultation is also recommended, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
High Risk:
- Lifetime Risk: Greater than 20%
- Criteria: Breast Density C or D, or a family history of two or more first-degree relatives with any combination of breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, or pancreatic cancer.
- Recommendations: A Breast High Risk consult is recommended, along with additional imaging options such as an MRI, Contrast Enhanced Mammogram, or Automated Breast US. A genetics consultation and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are also advised.
Compassionate Breast Care at AventHealth
Preventing breast cancer is more than just getting a mammogram – it’s a shared journey. At AdventHealth Hendersonville, the teams at our Breast Centers provide compassionate, comprehensive care when you need it most. To learn more about reducing your risk of breast cancer, make an appointment with our breast specialist, Colette A. Salm-Schmid, MD, FACS.
Ready to take the next step? Visit AdventHealthNC.com/cancer or call
Call828-654-0073 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
* The American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging
** American Cancer Society Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention, Revised 12/2022
*** Updated ACR Breast Screening Recommendations, 2023
Breast Cancer Screening for Women at Higher-Than-Average Risk: Updated Recommendations From the ACR.
Monticciolo DL, Newell MS, Moy L, Lee CS, Destounis SV.J Am Coll Radiol. 2023 Sep;20(9):902-914. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.04.002. Epub 2023 May 5.PMID: 37150275
