Breast Cancer & Aging

Why Does Aging Increase Breast Cancer Risk?

Studies have shown that as a woman ages, her lobules, or milk-producing glands, begin to shut down. The process is known as lobular regression or involution. Many medical professionals believe that breast cancer originates in the lobules, so the change is what brings about the increased risk.

Breast Cancer Detection and Early Diagnosis

In between medical exams, women should also learn to do a breast self-exam and perform the self-exam monthly in order to check for signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Signs and symptoms to look for include:

• any change in the appearance of the breast, especially any dimpling or wrinkling of the skin on the breast or change in the shape or size of the breast
  
• any change in the appearance of the nipple, including a turning in of the nipple, a change in the skin around the nipple or fluid coming out of the nipple
  
• any change in the feel of the breast, most often in the form of a lump or thickened area in the breast or under the arm
  
• noticeable increase in vein visibility or number of veins on the breasts or the sides of the breasts.

Other Breast Cancer Risk Factors

• being Caucasian
• family history of breast cancer
• having the first child after age 30
• hormone replacement therapy use
• never having children
• smoking cigarettes
• started menopause after age 50.

Breast Cancer Prevention Methods

To lower breast cancer risk, women should be sure to:

• eat a healthy diet that includes many fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  
• exercise regularly for 20-30 minutes four to five times per week
  
• limit alcohol intake, especially after menopause
  
• maintain a healthy weight and BMI.