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Breast Cancer

Key Points

  • One in eight women in the United States will develop cancer in her lifetime
  • Only 5-10% of breast cancers are due to an inherited genetic mutation, like BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 genes
  • Up to 70% of all breast cancers diagnosed in the USA arise in women without any significant family history of breast cancer
  • Approximately 30% of breast cancer cases are attributed to modifiable lifestyle risk factors
  • Breast cancer can occur in young women, which is why knowing how your breasts normally look and feel is important for early detection
  • According to the American Cancer Society, Black women have a 4% lower incidence rate of breast cancer than White woman but a 40% higher risk of dying from breast cancer

Early detection means everything

Empower yourself by taking control of breast health

In early stages, breast cancer often presents without signs or symptoms. Mammograms, clinical breast exams (by a health care provider), breast self-awareness each play a significant role in early detection.

Mammogram

Begin annual screening mammograms at age 40 for women at average risk. Women at increased risk may need to start screening earlier. All of Riverside's Diagnostic & Imaging Centers are accredited by the American College of Radiology, including three locations designated as Breast Centers of Excellence.

Clinical Breast Exam

Clinical breast exams, performed by a health care provider, should begin at age 25 every three years, then yearly at age 40.

Breast Self-Awareness

Know how your breasts normally look and feel and share any changes with your health care provider.

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

We offer personalized breast cancer risk assessment at the time of your screening mammogram. If you learn you are at higher risk, our High-Risk Breast Clinic can help you with a personalized risk reduction and early detection plan and referral for consultation with a genetic counselor, if appropriate.

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Know your breasts and trust when something feels off

Don’t wait to reach out to your health care provider if you notice a change in how your breasts normally look and feel, even if your last mammogram was normal. Your peace of mind and health are worth it. Signs to look for include:

A lump in the breast or under the arm | Skin changes, including a dimple, redness or thickening | Change in breast shape or size | Nipple discharge | Scaling or redness of the nipple and/or areola | Nipple retraction or inversion | New breast pain

Don’t wait, get checked
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Breast Cancer can happen to anyone. Even young women.

Breast cancer in young women is more likely to be an aggressive form that is fast growing, more challenging to treat and has a higher chance of recurrence and spread.

  • Nearly 80% of young women in the United States diagnosed with breast cancer find their breast abnormality themselves.

Know what matters

Understanding breast cancer risk factors

The risk for breast cancer is not the same for all women.

Many women believe that if there is no breast cancer in their family they are not at risk.

While family history is important only 5-10% of breast cancers are due to an inherited genetic mutation, and up to 70% of all breast cancers diagnosed in the USA arise in women without any significant family history of breast cancer.


  • Age when you first had children
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Decision to take hormones after menopause
  • Delayed or no pregnancies
  • Diet
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Physical activity
  • Smoking status

Genetic mutations
You're at higher risk if your family members have a mutation, especially BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Individuals with hereditary risk for breast cancer may have up to an 85% lifetime breast cancer risk.

History of abnormal breast biopsy
Atypical cells on a breast biopsy puts you at a higher risk for developing breast cancer. 

Dense breasts, seen on mammogram
Breasts comprised of more connective and glandular tissue and less fatty tissue have been associated with higher cancer risks and lower chances of detection on mammography.

A high body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more
BMI is based on your weight in relation to your height and indicates if you're at a healthy weight. The higher your BMI, the higher your risk for developing breast cancer.

Age
Risk of breast cancer increases with age. In fact, two out of three invasive breast cancers are found in women over 55. Early onset of menses (before age 12) or delayed menopause also place you at higher risk for developing breast cancer.

History of chest wall radiation at a young age
Chest radiation at a young age for diseases such as lymphoma, Hodgkins Disease, and others increases breast cancer risk up to three times higher than the general population. This increase is highest starting 10-20 years after the radiation is completed.

Other family history
A family history of other cancer such as pancreas, prostate or melanoma, or an Ashkenazi/ Eastern European Jewish ancestry may place you at higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Race and ethnicity

There are disparities in how breast cancer impacts different races and ethnicities. 

  • According to the American Cancer Society, Black women have a 5% lower breast cancer incidence than White women, but a 38% higher mortality.
  • Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced stages of breast cancer.
  • Black women have the lowest survival rate for every known stage of breast cancer.
  • Black women tend to be diagnosed later with more aggressive forms of breast cancer, such as Triple-negative breast cancer
  • Black women under age 35 have rates of breast cancer two times higher than Caucasian women under age 35
  • Black women under age 35 die from breast cancer three times as often as Caucasian women of the same age.
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Reduce your risk of developing breast cancer

30% of breast cancer cases may be prevented by adopting a cancer prevention lifestyle.

While not all risk factors can be modified, you can empower yourself and make sure your breast cancer risk is as low as possible by choosing the healthiest lifestyle options.

Learn ways to prevent cancer
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All women deserve screening mammograms. There is help if you are uninsured and unable to afford this life saving screening.

If you are uninsured, unable to qualify for Medicaid or Medicare and unable to afford your annual screening mammogram, please contact our Cancer Outreach Office for assistance at 1-800-520-7006. Riverside is able to offer screening mammograms and cervical cancer screenings at no cost to eligible women through the grant support of the Every Woman’s Life Program (part of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program - NBCCEDP), and the Riverside Health Foundation.

If breast cancer is detected, women diagnosed through this program are automatically enrolled in Medicaid for their treatment.

For more information on this program, or to see if you qualify, please call 1-800-520-7006.


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Comprehensive breast cancer care, close to home

If you or a loved one is facing breast cancer, our breast cancer program is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). We have a dedicated team of multi-disciplinary breast cancer experts, leading edge treatments and supportive care- right here at home.

Learn about our comprehensive breast cancer program