The incidence of breast cancer rises throughout a woman's lifetime. This finding demonstrates that the risk of a breast cancer developing is based on your age and the other risk factors compared to the total population at the same age. The National Cancer Institute uses a formula to calculate a woman's risk of breast cancer at any age. The information used to calculate your individual risk is age of first menstrual period, age of first live born child, a first degree relative with breast cancer, and a prior breast biopsy. These small tumors can be found with the use of mammography and breast examination.
Women have a concern about estrogen causing breast cancer.
The majority of studies published to date do not show a significant increase in the incidence of breast cancer in women using hormones for postmenopausal therapy. Women who have a risk factor, such as a family history of breast cancer, can use hormone replacement therapy under a physician's supervision. Tamoxifen, an anti estrogen, is a potential treatment based on your individual risk factors.