Marbella Chico Blog

Understanding Breast Cancer Risk by Age for Chico Seniors

Written by Marbella Chico | Oct 10, 2025 4:00:00 AM

To summarize:

  • Breast cancer risk by age rises quickly from the forties onwards in someone's life
  • Using CDC national guidelines as a starting point, you should get checked from your 40s onwards
  • If you have concerns about accessing screenings, look into Every Woman Counts or the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

Marbella Chico, seated in Chico, CA, is a welcoming community situated near shops and parks, surrounded by greenery on the edge of town. It's a great area to focus on health and wellness, and part of that is understanding the risks of breast cancer.

Over 300,000 cases of the illness are likely to occur in 2025, according to the National Cancer Institute. Therefore, knowing when and how to seek out a screening can mean the difference between catching it early and missing the opportunity.

Below, we offer information on:

  • Aging and cancer awareness
  • Women's health education
  • Early detection tips
  • Senior wellness resources

Read on to discover all these and more, including what we offer in terms of memory care and support for those whose mental wellness makes the existence of a tumor even more challenging.

Is Breast Cancer Less Aggressive as You Age?

There is no single answer to this question, due to the wide variety of cancers and the diverse array of individuals who may develop a tumor, each of whom will respond differently. The aggressiveness of a cancer depends heavily on:

  • The biology of the specific tumor
  • The overall health of the individual
  • The stage at which the cancer is detected
  • How the tumor responds to hormones

For example, certain tumors will respond to the presence of estrogen and progesterone by growing faster. Whereas others will react by increasing in size more slowly. However, knowing which it is can lead a doctor to develop a more effective treatment that fits your specific situation, giving you a greater chance of recovery.

Risk by Decade for Seniors

While other risk factors exist, it is essential to discuss the various risks with your doctor as you age.

While your 40s and 50s offer a higher chance of developing breast cancer, it is not until you are in your late 60s and early 70s that the chances peak. 

Therefore, if anything, ensuring that you pursue a healthier life, such as through Marbella Chico's Vibrant Life events and activities, becomes even more critical than ever.

When Memory Changes Affect Aging and Cancer Awareness

As one ages, it can sometimes become harder to remember when a doctor's appointment is scheduled. As such, at Marbella Chico, our staff are well-trained in helping our residents, ensuring that those in our care receive appropriate reminders for every important event.

For extra assurance, we would recommend that you investigate options such as:

  • Using tools like large-print calendars
  • Putting reminders on a phone
  • Using visual cues
  • Asking a trusted family member or friend to take you

You need to make the plan as clear and memorable as possible.

For those in Memory Care support, this can be even more essential. For this reason, our team of Generations Memory Care specialists will continue to provide care throughout an individual's retirement to ensure their needs are met.

We have even designed our community with the needs of such people in mind, offering peace of mind, even when they may not remember every detail of their time with us.

Breast Cancer Risk by Age: An FAQ

Why Are Mammograms Not Recommended Before Forty?

Average adults under forty years old have a much lower incidence of developing breast cancer. As such, the harms of receiving an X-ray, such as the radiation itself, can often outweigh its benefits. At the same time, false positives that require follow-up tests are much more common at a younger age.

If medical professionals start at forty, they can both focus their attention on the population most likely to develop the condition and manage potential harm to the rest.

Can Stress Cause Breast Cancer in Senior Years?

Any evidence linking stress directly to breast cancer development is minimal and also mixed in its evidence quality. The fact that chronic stress can often affect health behaviors is a large part of the challenge in finding a link, as they can frequently influence the risk more indirectly.

However, managing your stress better and seeking sources of emotional wellness can support things like:

  • Sleep health
  • Immune system strength
  • Mental wellness
  • Anxiety levels
  • Motivation

As such, stress is very much worth managing, and excess stress can lead to a reduced immune system if a cancer does develop. However, it is not proven to be a cause.

What is the Main Cause of Breast Cancer?

There is no single cause of breast cancer, as it is not a disease like the common cold. Instead, it is a mutation of an otherwise normal cell in the human body, causing it to grow out of control.

Age is one of the primary risk factors for developing breast cancer. Also, being female offers a significant likelihood, with the WHO reporting 99% of those diagnosed with breast cancer being female.

Can a 20-Year-Old Have Breast Cancer?

It is possible, although unlikely, for someone to develop breast cancer at 20 years old. However, if someone that age can detect a lump or has a strong family history of developing tumors early, they should discuss the possibility with a healthcare professional to discuss their next steps.

Support from Marbella Chico During Your Screening

Those aged 40 are at the highest breast cancer risk by age, and so our staff will support those who schedule a check by reminding them of appointments when possible. While our carers are not healthcare professionals, they help guide our residents in making healthy choices and ensuring they enjoy a long and fulfilling retirement.

If you're ready to find a supportive home in Marbella Chico, please get in touch today. We can offer you a tour of our community, allowing you to investigate features such as our nutritious Elevate dining options and on-site health and wellness programs. Discover everything you need to ensure you remain in peak condition throughout your senior years.