Age is a significant factor in breast cancer risk, making it crucial to understand how it impacts diagnosis. As women age, their likelihood of developing breast cancer increases. While breast cancer rates are relatively low in women under 40, with only about 4% of diagnoses occurring in this age group in the U.S., this risk begins to rise after 40 and becomes highest for women over 70.
Figure 2.1: Age-Specific Rates of Breast Cancer Showing Increasing Incidence with Age
Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Women and Age
Understanding the age of diagnosis is vital for women’s health. The median age at which women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer is 63, based on data from 2017 to 2021. This median age means that half of women receive a breast cancer diagnosis before this age, and half after.
However, the Age Of Breast Cancer Diagnosis isn’t uniform across all populations. It’s observed to vary based on race and ethnicity. For instance, non-Hispanic white women have a median diagnosis age of 65, while for non-Hispanic Black women, as well as non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native women, the median age is 61. Non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander women and Hispanic women share a median diagnosis age of 58. This data highlights disparities in diagnosis ages among different racial and ethnic groups.
| Race and ethnicity | Median age of breast cancer diagnosis in women |
|---|---|
| Non-Hispanic white | 65 |
| Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native | 61 |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 61 |
| Non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander | 58 |
| Hispanic | 58 |
| Source: 2017-2021 SEER data, 2024 |
Notably, non-Hispanic Black women are often diagnosed at a younger age compared to non-Hispanic white women. The data from 2017-2021 shows a median diagnosis age of 61 for non-Hispanic Black women versus 65 for non-Hispanic white women, emphasizing the importance of tailored awareness and screening approaches for different groups.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Men and Age
Age is also a significant risk factor for breast cancer in men, with the likelihood increasing as men get older. Similar to women, understanding the typical age of diagnosis helps in awareness and early detection efforts.
The median age of breast cancer diagnosis for men in the U.S. is 69, according to the 2017-2021 data. This figure indicates that half of men are diagnosed before 69 and half after. Like in women, this median age varies across different racial and ethnic groups.
For non-Hispanic white men, the median age at diagnosis is 70. In contrast, it’s 66 for non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander men, 65 for non-Hispanic Black men, and 64 for Hispanic men. Data for non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native men isn’t currently available. These variations underscore the need to consider race and ethnicity in understanding breast cancer diagnosis ages in men as well.
| Race and ethnicity | Median age of breast cancer diagnosis in men |
|---|---|
| Non-Hispanic white | 70 |
| Non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander | 66 |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 65 |
| Hispanic | 64 |
| Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native | Not available |
| Source: 2017-2021 SEER data, 2024 |
For instance, non-Hispanic Black men tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age than non-Hispanic white men. The median diagnosis age for non-Hispanic Black men was 65, compared to 70 for non-Hispanic white men during 2017-2021.
The Biological Link Between Age and Breast Cancer Risk
Why does age play such a critical role in breast cancer risk? The primary reason is the accumulation of cellular changes over time. As we age, our cells are more likely to undergo abnormal changes. When a sufficient number of these changes occur, it can lead to the development of cancer. This cumulative effect of aging on cellular health explains the increased breast cancer risk with advancing age in both women and men.
In conclusion, age is a well-established and significant risk factor for breast cancer. Understanding the median age of diagnosis, and how it varies across gender and race/ethnicity, is crucial for promoting awareness, encouraging timely screening, and addressing disparities in breast cancer detection and care. Being informed about these age-related trends empowers individuals to be proactive about their health and engage in necessary preventive measures and screenings as they age.
