Breast cancer risks

• Causes and risk factors:

  Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Around 72,000 women are diagnosed with it in Germany every year. Breast cancer can develop slowly, but it can also grow quickly and spread throughout the body. Most breast cancers occur spontaneously. Some factors are known to influence the risk of breast cancer.
  
  

• Age:

  Breast cancer risk depends mainly on age. Only 18% of breast cancers occur before the age of 50. Women between the ages of 50 and 69 are most likely to develop breast cancer.

  Detailed information on the risk factor “age” can be found here.
  
  

• Familial predisposition:

  The second significant risk factor is a family history of breast cancer.

  Only less than 10% of all breast cancers are genetic. If close relatives in a family have breast or ovarian cancer, this may indicate genetic breast cancer.

  You can find more detailed information on the risk factor “family history of breast cancer” here.
  
  

• Breast density:

  Breast density is also a risk factor, but it has very little influence. Women with a very high breast density (level 4) therefore have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer.

  You can find more information about the risk factor “breast density” here.
  
  

• Symptoms of breast cancer:

  If you palpate lumps or hardening in the breast or armpit, or if you notice visible deformations of the breast or changes in the skin, retraction of the nipple, bleeding or other secretions from the nipple, you should definitely consult a doctor.
  
  

• Breast Cancer Early Detection Measures:

  You can find out which breast cancer screening measures are covered by health insurance here. here.