Facts about Breast Cancer and Menopause

Breast cancer is not directly associated with menopause, as a woman gets older, the chances of getting breast cancer increases.  Also, some of the medications used to treat menopause have been implicated in a higher risk of breast cancer.

Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

Age - The primary risk factor for getting breast cancer is age.  Statistics show that more than 70% of women who are diagnosed are over age fifty, and over 50% are over sixty-five.

Genetics – A woman’s risk is greater still if a family member such as a sister or mother has been diagnosed with the disease, principally if it was diagnosed at a young age.  Additional studies have shown that a woman who has had a biopsy of the breast tissue which shows certain types of disease (atypical hyperplasia for example), are especially likely to get breast cancer.

Late Menopause – Women who achieve menopause later in life (after age 55) are at greater risk of breast cancer.

Having Children – Women who had their first child after age thirty or have never had children are also at greater risk.

Heritage – In addition to genetics, your heritage also plays a role in your risk.  Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among African-American women. People of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry are more prone to being carriers of certain gene mutations, which also puts them at a higher risk.

The Role of Hormone Replacement Therapy in Breast Cancer Risk

A study published in 2002 in Menopause suggested that women who were administered hormone replacement drugs either orally or transdermally (patch) were more likely to get breast cancer.  This kind of therapy is a standard treatment for menopausal symptoms, however since this study, usage has diminished.  The fact is that the longer the woman uses hormone replacement therapy, the greater her chances of getting breast cancer.

Methods of Prevention

There is no definitive way of preventing breast cancer, but there are some things you can do to lower your risk.  Many experts recommend that after the age of 40 a woman should get a mammogram annually, but your gynecologist or primary care physician may recommend starting at an earlier age depending on your family history.  Self-exams should be done at least once per month; however you should also have your doctor or other health care professional examine your breasts routinely at your annual gynecological exam. Regular exercise, a diet containing fruits, vegetables and fiber and supplements such as Vitamin D and folate are recommended as well.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

There is no question that early detection can greatly improve your chances of success in finding and treating breast cancer.  Currently there are two ways to detect breast cancer early enough which involve tactile examination of the breast: clinical examination and self-examination.

It is recommended by The American Cancer Society that every woman over the age 20 perform a self-exam every month.  With a simple check of her breasts (in the shower for example), she can more easily recognize changes, which should be reported to her doctor promptly.  Your gynecologist will also perform this exam every third year and subsequently every year once you turn 40.  Another valuable method of early detection is mammography, which uses a nominal dose of x-ray to get a picture of the tissue.  These methods used in combination increase the likelihood of detecting breast cancer at the point where it can be treated successfully.