Breast Health Through Your 50s, 60s and 70s

Learn about the important actions to take for your breast health in your 50s, 60s and 70s.

When you turn 50, you will receive an invitation from BreastScreen to attend your first screening mammogram. Screening mammograms can pick up cancers as small as a grain of rice, usually 2 to 3 years before a palpable lump develops. Early diagnosis means less invasive treatment, potentially avoiding chemotherapy and mastectomy, as well as improved survival.

Many women start taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) around now, which is linked to a small increased risk of breast cancer, whilst alcohol is linked to 1 in 5 cases of breast cancer. And taking HRT and alcohol together adds an extra layer of risk. Research has shown that women who take HRT and have more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day had a breast cancer risk that was 5 times higher than women who did not drink and did not take HRT. Consider limiting your alcohol intake (to no more than 2 standard drinks per day) and taking HRT for the shortest time possible.

The average age of breast cancer diagnosis is 62 years old, so do continue with your screening mammograms.

“Remember that mammograms are your friends, not your enemies. You can catch something early or rejoice if nothing is found. Either way, you’re ahead of the game,” Joy, breast cancer survivor, from The Central Coast Breast Cancer Compendium.

Watch the kilo creep, with obesity being associated with a markedly increased risk of hormone receptor positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. After menopause, active oestrogen in your body comes from the conversion of androgen in fat tissue by the enzyme aromatase. Fat tissue is rich in aromatase, meaning obese women have higher levels of oestrogen. However, it is not all bad news, with recent evidence showing modest weight loss (5% in weight) can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Also, exercise remains important, with evidence showing it can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer and the risk of recurrence in breast cancer survivors. Cancer Council recommends aiming for at least 60 minutes of moderate activity or 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day.

After the age of 74, BreastScreen stops sending you reminders for screening mammograms – but don’t assume you are past breast cancer! Breast cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed cancer in older Australian women. Recently, Blanche D’Alpuget, the wife of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 76.

There is no hard-and-fast rule for screening mammograms beyond the age of 74. If you are in good health, you may wish to continue with your free biennial mammograms. Whereas, if you have serious health problems, you may decide breast screening is not a priority as it may pick up slow growing cancers that may never progress to cause symptoms.

Breast awareness is important at any age, but once you have stopped screening mammograms, it becomes your only way to pick up breast cancers. Being breast aware means knowing how your breasts normally look and feel, and noticing new changes. “Saggy breasts” are a common change that occurs with ageing, but if you notice a new lump, a sunken nipple, dimpling or “orange peel” appearance of your breast skin – see your doctor without delay.

Take these 3 moments to check your breasts. 

Breast Health Through Your 50s, 60s and 70s was published in Go 55s on 17 Aug 2020.