The most important risk factor for developing breast cancer, besides gender, is age. As women grow older, their chances of developing breast cancer increase substantially.
According to American Cancer Society statistics from 2004 to 2006, the likelihood of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40 is only 1 in 206. Gradually, the likelihood increases with time. A woman is most at risk after she turns 70. After that, her chances of developing breast cancer are as high as 1 in 15.
A woman's risk of developing breast cancer can increase due to other age-related problems. For some women, increased risk of breast cancer can be linked to going through menopause at an older age than most. Also, the use of menopausal hormone replacement drugs can contribute to a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer as she gets older.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer and feel it was detected late or originally missed by your doctor in Georgia, please request a copy of our free book, I Have Cancer…Should It Have Been Caught Earlier?, or schedule a free consultation with an experienced Atlanta medical malpractice and breast cancer lawyer at the Dover Law Firm at 770-518-1133.