A woman's breast cancer risk is one in 2,212 by age 30, one in 235 by age 40, one in 54 by age 50, one in 23 by age 60, one in 14 by age 70, one in 10 by age 80, and one in eight over a lifetime. In addition to age, other factors may affect breast cancer risk. An individual woman's breast cancer risk is related to family history, her reproductive history, and other factors that are not yet fully understood. Among racial and ethnic groups studied by NCI, white, Hawaiian, and African-American women have the highest levels of breast cancer risk. Korean, Native American, and Vietnamese women have the lowest levels of risk.
Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easiest to treat.
If you are age 40 or older, you need a mammogram every one to two years. Women should talk with their doctor about when to begin having regular mammograms and clinical breast exams. All Rights Reserved.