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Late pregnancy and increased risk?

Page last modified on: October 7, 2008
Question from Gina: My mother passed away of breast cancer at age 42. I'm 40 now with no children. I'm recently married and considering having a child. I've heard that children late in life (or no children at all) increases breast cancer risk. Any thoughts on that? Thank you!
Answers —Lynn Hartmann, M.D.: There is a slight increased risk of breast cancer in women who have never had children or had their first child late in life (after age 30). The emphasis, however, is on the word "slight." It's certainly important for you to understand your risk of breast cancer. If there are other relatives in the family besides your mother who have breast cancer, or if you're from an Ashkenazi Jewish family, you may wish to visit with a genetic counselor to understand your risks as you make this decision.
Beth DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.: You can read more about risk reduction in the special section, Lower Your Risk, here at www.breastcancer.org.

On Wednesday, February 15, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Risk Reduction. Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about a variety of topics such as screening with mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds; breast biopsies; lifestyle changes that make a difference; and making hard decisions about prophylactic surgeries.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D.Lynn Hartmann, M.D. is a professor of oncology at the Mayo Clinic and associate director for education of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

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