Risk Factors for Breast Cancer for Women Aged 40 to 49 Years

SUMMARY: There is presently no clear consensus regarding breast cancer screening for women in their 40’s. The risk/benefit ratio of screening mammography has not been properly defined in this age group. In this review, Nelson and colleagues identified the risk factors for breast cancer and concluded that there is a 2 fold increase in the risk for breast cancer in women 40-49 years of age, who have dense breast tissue and first degree relatives with breast cancer. This meta analysis has identified a subset of patients in their 40’s who would benefit from screening mammography. Nelson HD, Zakher B, Cantor A, et al. Ann Intern Med. 2012;156:635-648