
Breast Health
Everything you need to know about breast cancer but were afraid to ask #timetocheck
Are you at risk?
As we age, the risk of cancer increases; this is due to how our cells mutate.
Other risk factors that have been reported:

Early puberty (starting periods before age 12)





Reaching menopause late (over 55 – the average age is 52) This is due to the increased time oestrogens are in our body





Most breast cancer occurs in women over 50 years old and men over 60 years old





Being tall, possibly due to the higher level of growth hormones in early years


What you can’t change:
Women typically have more breast tissue than men. Women also have a higher exposure to oestrogen. Oestrogen can stimulate cell growth, division and promote the growth of some cancers.
Higher breast density is genetic and can be influenced by environment and changes during a woman’s lifetime. This can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Please note: it is tissue density not fat! This can only be measured on a mammogram. Mammograms can be unclear for those with dense breasts, in this instance an ultrasound scan is appropriate.
Some benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions do not increase the risk but people who have atypical hyperplasia or lobular neoplasia have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.
What you can change
There are many factors which can affect whether you get breast cancer. Some are genetic, the others are environmental and life choices including diet, weight and smoking.
Family history doesn’t always mean a higher risk
Lifestyle Factors
Get In Touch
This website has been funded by
The Pink Ribbon Foundation
And also by the
The National Lottery
Copyright ©
Lady McAdden Breast Cancer Trust
Registered Charity in England (1062236)
Registered company in England (03334552)
203 Elmsleigh Drive, Leigh on Sea, Essex, SS9 4JH
Copyright © 2022 Registered Charity in England (1062236).
Registered company in England (03334552).
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