
Figure 2. Retraction of part of the breast of an 80-year-old woman with breast cancer.
A well-established risk factor for breast cancer is late age at first childbirth. Women who have not had a full-term pregnancy by the age of 30 years are at a higher risk for breast cancer compared with women who give birth before the age of 30 years, according to Aurin and colleagues. An interpregnancy interval of more than 3 years is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Although a first-degree relative with breast cancer does increase the risk for breast cancer, more than 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.
Obesity is associated with an increased risk for many chronic conditions, including breast cancer. Several studies have demonstrated a direct association between obesity and risk for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. In contrast, studies have suggested that the risk for breast cancer may be reduced in premenopausal women with obesity.
A history of earlier age at menarche has been identified as a risk factor for breast cancer.
Learn more details about early-stage breast cancer.
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Maurie Markman, Pavani Chalasani. Fast Five Quiz: Early-Stage Breast Cancer - Medscape - Jun 07, 2022.
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