Ongoing Research Supported by the National Cancer Institute

Basic, clinical, and population research will continue to be supported which investigate the relationship and the mechanisms of how hormones in general and during pregnancy influence the development of breast cancer. 

Important Information About Breast Cancer Risk Factors

At present, the factors known to increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer include age (a woman’s chances of getting breast cancer increase as she gets older), a family history of breast cancer, an early age at first menstrual period, a late age at menopause, a late age at the time of birth of her first full-term baby, and certain breast conditions. Obesity is also a risk factor for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. More information about breast cancer risk factors is found in NCI’s publication What You Need To Know About™ Breast Cancer. 

Important Information About Identifying Breast Cancer

NCI recommends that, beginning in their 40s, women receive mammography screening every year or two. Women who have a higher than average risk of breast cancer (for example, women with a family history of breast cancer) should seek expert medical advice about whether they should be screened before age 40, and how frequently they should be screened.

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Sources of National Cancer Institute Information

Cancer Information Service 

Toll-free: 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237) 

TTY (for deaf and hard of hearing callers): 1–800–332–8615 

NCI Online

Internet

Use http://www.cancer.gov to reach NCI's Web site.

 

LiveHelp

Cancer Information Specialists offer online assistance through the LiveHelp link on the NCI's Web site.