Take Charge of Your Breast Health at Every Age: Expert Tips

Breast health considerations, risk factors and guidelines change throughout a lifetime. Through prioritizing awareness, healthy habits, routine care and on-time screening, women can help ensure they track and manage this important aspect of their health.

“So much of breast health comes down to knowing and tracking your ‘normal,’ learning about your family history and risk factors, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and following mammography guidelines,” says Michelle Radtke, APRN-NP, a nurse practitioner with Fox Valley Surgical Specialists who works with high-risk breast patients.

One in eight women, or about 13%, will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, after skin cancers. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Radtke shares a by-the-decades guide of key information and considerations around breast health.

20s and 30s

Though breast cancer is most common in middle-aged and older women, it’s important to know your normal and monitor any changes to your breasts in your 20s and 30s — and at every age.

Of note: “About 10% of all new breast cancer cases in the U.S. are diagnosed in women younger than 45 years old. Younger people, particularly those under age 35 at the time of their original breast cancer diagnosis, face a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence,” according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Experts no longer recommend breast self-exams but rather breast self-awareness. This entails knowing what is normal for your breasts so you can notice even small changes right away. These can include lumps, skin irritation, swelling, nipple discharge or swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. Report any concerning changes to your healthcare provider.

During childbearing years, your breast tissue can change naturally due to hormonal shifts, pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you have any questions or concerns about these changes, ask your primary care team.

Women of all ages should also track their family’s health history as it relates to breast cancer. Having one first-degree relative — mother, sister or daughter — with breast cancer doubles your risk, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The closer the relative, the greater the increase in risk. However, also make note of other breast cancer incidences in your family tree, including grandmothers, aunts and cousins.

Talk to your doctor about your family history of breast cancer. If your mother, for example, was diagnosed at age 50 or younger, your doctor may recommend you begin screening at an earlier age.

40 through 60

Though breast cancer becomes more common with age, half of women diagnosed in the U.S. are age 62 or younger. One in 10 women who are newly diagnosed are age 45 or younger, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Organizations vary in their guidance of the age at which women should begin screening mammograms. ThedaCare recommends that women of average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. Talk to your doctor if you have questions around when to begin and how often to have mammograms.

Screening mammograms are a critical tool in catching breast cancer at an early stage, when it is most treatable. Mammograms can detect breast cancer before symptoms appear and when it is too small to identify by touch.

When you have a mammogram through ThedaCare, you will also receive a comprehensive breast cancer risk assessment. In addition to mammography results, the assessment looks at factors including family and personal history and breast density.

Your healthcare team may recommend additional steps if you are identified as having a higher risk. These could include added testing such as MRI or ultrasound, genetic testing or counseling, and referral to a high-risk breast clinic.

Most insurances cover the entire cost of screening mammography. However, it’s always good to confirm your coverage. If you are in financial need or concerned about lack of coverage, talk to your healthcare team. They may be able to help connect you to resources that cover all or part of the cost of mammography.

60s and Beyond

Breast cancer risk increases with age, and the median age of diagnosis is 63, according to the ACS. The ACS recommends screening mammograms for women who are in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years.

Varying from the ACS recommendation, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force states that “evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening mammography in women 75 years or older.”

Your primary care doctor knows you and your healthy history best and can make a personalized recommendation on whether you should continue screening mammograms after the age of 75.

Breast Health at Every Age

Regardless of your age, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Some factors such as age, ethnicity and family history are beyond your control. But you have the power to positively influence many aspects of your overall health and breast cancer risk.

Women should:

Practice breast self-awareness. Know your normal and bring any concerns to your healthcare team promptly.
Follow breast cancer screening guidelines.
Track your family history.
Maintain a healthy weight. Your primary care team can help with weight management strategies if needed.
Remain physically active. A mix of cardio and strength training is a great call. If you are beginner, you can start small and work your way up.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Decrease saturated fats and limit processed foods, especially processed meats.
Limit or avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol ups your risk for developing breast cancer, and that increases with the amount consumed. If you do drink, you should have no more than one drink per day.
Refrain from smoking.

“Rather than fearing breast cancer, women should feel empowered with the knowledge to track and manage their risk,” Radtke says. “Your healthcare team is always here to help.”