78% of breast cancers are diagnosed after menopause: key points to understand this growing risk

Dr. Esther Suárez, head of the Breast Unit in the Women's Unit team at Ruber International Hospital, explains how to reduce the risk.

Menopause marks a turning point in women's lives. Beyond hormonal changes and common symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings, this biological stage is closely linked to a higher incidence of breast cancer. This is explained by Dr. Esther Suárez, head of the Breast Unit at the Women's Unit of the Ruber International Hospital, who emphasizes the importance of further understanding this relationship to strengthen prevention and improve long-term health.

“Menopause does not cause breast cancer, but it does coincide with a time when the risk increases due to various biological and metabolic factors,” the specialist points out. The impact is significant: 78% of breast cancer cases diagnosed in Spain are in postmenopausal women, a figure that highlights the need for close clinical monitoring during this stage.

Breast cancer remains the most common tumor in women. In 2024 alone, almost 39.000 new cases were detected in Spain, although the survival rate is very high, close to 90%, especially when diagnosed early.

 Age, the most determining risk factor

 Although menopause coincides with an increased incidence, age is the main factor involved in the risk of developing breast cancer. “As we get older, the chances of developing any type of tumor increase. However, in breast cancer, other elements specific to the postmenopausal stage also come into play,” explains Dr. Suárez.

Among these factors, the following stand out:

1. Cumulative hormonal exposure

Although hormone levels decline after menopause, the body has been exposed to them for decades. The specialist points out that “early menarche or late menopause increases the duration of estrogen exposure, and this influences the risk of developing breast cancer.”

2. Increased body fat

After menopause, it's common for body fat to increase. Adipose tissue produces small amounts of estrogen that can continue to influence hormone-dependent tumors. "Seventy percent of breast cancers are hormone-responsive. That's why the increase in fat tissue is a relevant factor," the doctor explains.

3. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to alleviate the most severe symptoms of menopause. According to Dr. Esther Suárez, “it is not contraindicated, but prolonged use, especially when combining estrogen and progesterone, can increase the risk. It is essential to individualize each case.” Prior medical evaluation and regular monitoring are essential to minimize risks.

Modifiable factors: a decisive role in prevention

Although certain factors—such as age or genetic background—cannot be modified, there are effective strategies that reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in the postmenopausal stage.

“Prevention is a powerful tool, especially when we know that there are behaviors and habits that can significantly reduce the risk,” says Dr. Suárez. Among the recommendations are:

  • Maintain a healthy weight to avoid additional estrogen production from adipose tissue.
  • Engaging in regular physical activity improves metabolic and hormonal parameters.
  • Avoid sedentary behavior, do not smoke, and moderate alcohol consumption, all of which are associated with a higher risk of cancer.
  • Attend regular check-ups, including mammograms and gynecological check-ups.
  • Carefully evaluate HRT, always under medical supervision.

Early detection: the key to survival

Thanks to screening programs, increased awareness, and medical advances, breast cancer now has one of the highest survival rates among tumors. “In its early stages, the disease is highly treatable, and the therapeutic options are more effective,” Dr. Suárez points out.

Spanish screening programs, based on regular mammograms, allow for the detection of tumors before symptoms appear. The specialist emphasizes that “detecting breast cancer in its early stages makes the difference between a less aggressive treatment and a more complex one.”

Prevention, self-care, weight control, and regular clinical follow-up are therefore fundamental pillars for reducing incidence and improving prognosis.

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