Age

As you get older, your risk of breast cancer increases – for most women getting older is their biggest risk factor for breast cancer.

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Did you know:

  • At least four out of five breast cancer cases in the UK are in women over 50.
  • Breast cancer is uncommon in women under 40.

Estimated risk of developing breast cancer by age:

 Risk up to age 29 
 1 in 2,000
 Risk up to age 39 
 1 in 215
 Risk up to age 49 
 1 in 50
 Risk up to age 59 
 1 in 22
 Risk up to age 69           
 1 in 13
 Lifetime risk 
 1 in 8

 

Source: Cancer Research UK, 2008

Obviously, you can't stop yourself getting any older but you can be breast aware. In addition, women aged 50 and over are eligible for breast screening and will receive appointments once every three years. Women aged 70 and over can make their own breast screening appointments by contacting their local screening service or doctor’s surgery.

Information last reviewed: 1 November 2011