With advanced age, there is ample time for breast cells to be altered or mutate due to internal genetic errors. Just like an aging car, some of the parts of a cell are subject to wear and tear over time and as a result function less efficiently. Additional risk factors like environmental exposures and poor lifestyle behaviors can increase your risk.
The table shows how often women get diagnosed with breast cancer (incidence rate) and the age of diagnosis.
Estimated New U.S. Female Breast Cancer Cases by Age and Death
Age | Noninvasive Cases | Invasive cases | Deaths* |
<40 | 1,650 | 10,500 | 1,010 |
40–49 | 12,310 | 35,850 | 3,690 |
50–59 | 16,970 | 54,060 | 7,600 |
60–69 | 15,850 | 59,990 | 9,090 |
70–79 | 9,650 | 42,480 | 8,040 |
80+ | 3,860 | 28,960 | 10,860 |
All ages | 60,290 | 231,840 | 40,290 |