Keeping up with your breasts as you age (and why it matters)
Women’s breasts go through all kinds of changes over a lifetime, thanks to hormones and ageing. And while some of these changes are totally normal, they can also come with a few health risks — like breast cancer. For Australian women, understanding these changes is crucial, especially with 1 in 7 women being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. That's why it’s important to stay in tune with your body, so you can catch any changes early.
A snapshot of breast cancer statistics in Australia in 2024
Source: Breast Cancer Network Australia | Breast Cancer in Australia
What happens to your breasts as you age?
Breasts are made up of different tissues, including glandular, fatty, and connective tissues. As we age and hormone levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, the glandular tissue that used to keep your breasts firm starts to shrink. This leads to less density, meaning your breasts may feel softer or "flatter" as time goes on.
But here’s the thing: lumps and bumps might become more noticeable as the tissue gets softer. While most of these are benign (non-cancerous), it’s always a good idea to check any changes with your GP just in case.
“More than 20,900 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024.”
Breast cancer and age: what's the connection?
It all comes down to the changes happening within the breast tissue. Fatty tissue has the potential to trigger inflammation, which can lead to cell growth — and sometimes, that growth spirals out of control. That’s where the risk of breast cancer comes in.
Plus, our immune systems start to lose their touch as we age. We’re less able to spot abnormal cells, giving cancerous cells more opportunity to grow unchecked.
“Age is the biggest risk factor for breast cancer, with the risk increasing as you hit 50.”
Breast density – why does it matter?
If you’re under 50, chances are you’ve still got dense breasts. Around 40% of women in their 50s have dense breasts. And while it’s not something you can feel, it can be picked up on a mammogram. The problem? Dense breast tissue can hide early signs of cancer, making screening trickier. That’s why knowing your density is important.
Navigating breast changes and staying healthy
Here’s the lowdown: your breasts will change as you age. While some of these changes might seem worrying, they’re often totally normal. The key is to stay on top of routine checks, including mammograms and regular GP visits, to catch anything out of the ordinary early.
Remember, knowing what’s normal for your body is one of the best ways to protect your breast health.
“Routine screenings can save lives – early detection is key.”
“The five-year survival rate for breast cancer is now 92% thanks to advancements in early detection and treatment.”
Stay informed and proactive
As breast changes become more common with age, routine checks, regular mammograms, and discussions with your GP are key to staying ahead of breast health issues. Whether it's about keeping tabs on your breast density or knowing your cancer risk factors, knowledge is power.
Want to know more about how life insurance and critical illness cover can support you? Have a chat with your adviser.
Resources:
Breast Cancer Network Australia, Breast cancer in Australia
BreastScreen Victoria, ‘Breast density overview’, 2024
National Library of Medicine, Changes in the mammary gland during aging and its links with breast diseases
NEOS Protection, 2024, Critical Illness Cover for Breast Cancer