Age is a significant factor in breast cancer risk. As women get older, the likelihood of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases. It’s crucial to understand how age plays a role in breast cancer to be proactive about your health.
Breast Cancer in Women and Age
The risk of breast cancer for women rises with age. While breast cancer is less common in women under 40, approximately 4% of all breast cancer diagnoses in the United States occur in this younger demographic [6].
After the age of 40, breast cancer rates begin to climb more noticeably, reaching their peak in women over 70. This trend underscores the importance of regular screenings and awareness as women age.
Understanding the Age of Diagnosis
Between 2017 and 2021, the median age at breast cancer diagnosis for women in the U.S. was 63 years old [7]. The median age means that half of women are diagnosed before 63, and half are diagnosed after this age. This provides a general benchmark, but it’s important to recognize that this age can differ based on race and ethnicity.
The median age of diagnosis shows variations across 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 [7] |
For example, research indicates that non-Hispanic Black women are often diagnosed at a younger age compared to non-Hispanic white women [7]. The data from 2017-2021 shows the median diagnosis age for non-Hispanic Black women was 61, whereas for non-Hispanic white women it was 65. Understanding these disparities is important for targeted awareness and healthcare approaches.
To learn more about the connection between race, ethnicity, and breast cancer risk, you can explore further resources on race and ethnicity in relation to breast cancer risk.
Breast Cancer in Men and Age
Similar to women, age is also a key risk factor for breast cancer in men. The older a man becomes, the greater his chances of developing breast cancer.
Age at Diagnosis for Men
From 2017 to 2021, the median age for men at the time of breast cancer diagnosis in the U.S. was 69 years [8]. This median figure indicates that half of men diagnosed with breast cancer are diagnosed before age 69, and the other half after.
Just as with women, the median age of diagnosis in men varies across different racial and ethnic groups:
| 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 [8] |
Data reveals that non-Hispanic Black men tend to receive a breast cancer diagnosis at a younger age than non-Hispanic white men [8]. The median age at diagnosis between 2017 and 2021 for non-Hispanic Black men was 65, compared to 70 for non-Hispanic white men.
For more detailed information, resources are available to learn more about breast cancer in men and the relationship between race, ethnicity, and breast cancer risk.
Why Age Increases Breast Cancer Risk
The link between age and increased breast cancer risk is primarily due to the accumulation of cellular changes over time. As we age, our cells are more likely to develop abnormalities. When a significant number of these abnormal changes occur, cancer can develop. This is a natural process of aging that contributes to age being a major risk factor for many cancers, including breast cancer.
Age-Specific Rates of Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Data source: SEER 2017-2021 [9] Note: While the graph may show a rate of 0 in some age groups, breast cancer cases do occur in these groups, but the numbers are too small to be visible on this scale.
Understanding the Average Age For Breast Cancer Diagnosis is a crucial step in being proactive about breast health. Knowing this information empowers individuals to be more aware of their risk as they age and to engage in appropriate screening and preventative measures.
