Invasive breast cancer is an important health concern for women. According to the American Cancer Society1:
- Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, of which most is invasive
- It was estimated that over 192,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer would occur among US women in 2009, most over age 50
- Invasive breast cancer extends beyond the basement membrane of the breast ducts or lobules into the surrounding normal breast tissue
The following widely accepted risk factors can help identify patients at increased risk for invasive breast cancer3,4:
- Female gender
- Family history of breast cancer (first-degree relative)
- Previous breast biopsy
- History of atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ
- Advanced age at first live birth (or nulliparity)
- Early age at menarche
- Recent use of combined postmenopausal hormone therapy
- Greater-than-average breast density
- Age
Simplify your evaluation
When assessing the risk for invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal patients with osteoporosis, consider the “Big 3” for simplicity:
- Family history (first-degree relative)
- Personal risk factors
- Age
Family history
Having one or more first-degree relatives* with invasive breast cancer increases the risk of developing the disease.5
- Additional evaluation may be required for some patients based on their family history
Important limitations of use for breast cancer risk reduction are as follows: There are no data available regarding the effect of EVISTA on invasive breast cancer incidence in women with inherited mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2) to be able to make specific recommendations on the effectiveness of EVISTA. EVISTA is not indicated for the treatment of invasive breast cancer or reduction of the risk of recurrence. EVISTA is not indicated for the reduction in the risk of noninvasive breast cancer.
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Personal risk factors
Any previous breast biopsy
- A previous breast biopsy (normal or abnormal) is a risk factor for invasive breast cancer3,7,8
- If a patient had a previous breast biopsy and it was abnormal (eg, atypical hyperplasia), she would be at a significantly increased risk for invasive breast cancer
- Atypical hyperplasia increases invasive breast cancer risk approximately 4-fold9
Greater-than-average breast density
- Postmenopausal women with breast tissue rated as extremely dense have a 3-fold to 4-fold increased risk of breast cancer compared with postmenopausal women with low density7
- Breast density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer, regardless of age10
- Postmenopausal women with dense breasts may benefit from additional screening (eg, digital mammography, MRI, or ultrasound)11
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Age
The incidence of invasive breast cancer increases with age.

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References:
- American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2009. Available at: . Accessed October 7, 2009.
- CA Cancer J Clin. 2008;58:71-96.
- National Cancer Institute. Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool. Available at: . Accessed January 28, 2009.
- American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Detailed Guide. Available at: . Accessed December 3, 2009.
- American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2007-2008. Available at: . Accessed January 28, 2009.
- Lancet. 2001;358;1389-1399.
- J Natl Cancer Inst. 2006;98:1215-1226.
- J Natl Cancer Inst. 2007;99:1695-1705.
- Cancer. 2007;109:180-187.
- J Natl Cancer Inst. 2006;98:1204-1214.
- J Natl Cancer Inst. 1995;87:1622-1629.
- National Cancer Institute. SEER Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2006. Table 4.10. Available at: . Accessed October 15, 2009.
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 16th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Companies, Inc; 2005:2209.