Prioritize Awareness, Healthy Habits And On-Time Screening, Expert Advises

Women should prioritize breast health at every stage of life, said an expert who specializes in treating and caring for some of ThedaCare’s breast cancer patients.

“Breast health considerations, risk factors and guidelines change throughout a lifetime,” said Michelle Radtke, APRN-NP, a nurse practitioner with Fox Valley Surgical Specialists. She also sees patients at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah. “Through prioritizing awareness, healthy habits, routine care and on-time screening, women can help ensure they track and manage this important aspect of their health.”

Much of a person’s breast health comes down to knowing and tracking their ‘normal,’ understanding their family’s health history and risk factors, adopting healthy lifestyle habits and following mammography guidelines, Radtke said.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, after skin cancers. That’s why Radtke shared a by-the-decades guide of key information and considerations around breast health.

20s and 30s

Though breast cancer is most common in middle-aged and older women, it’s important for people to know their baseline and monitor any changes to their breasts in their 20s and 30s.

About 10% of all new breast cancer cases in the U.S. are diagnosed in women younger than 45 years old. Younger people, particularly those under age 35 at the time of their original breast cancer diagnosis, face a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Experts no longer recommend breast self-exams but rather breast self-awareness. “This means a person understanding what is normal for their breasts so they can notice even small changes right away and report them to their healthcare provider,” Radtke said.

Women of all ages should also track their family’s health history as it relates to breast cancer. Having one first-degree relative – mother, sister or daughter – with breast cancer doubles a person’s risk, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

40 Through 60

Half of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. are age 62 or younger. One in 10 women who are newly diagnosed are age 45 or younger.

Organizations vary in their guidance of the age at which women should begin screening mammograms. ThedaCare recommends that women of average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40.

“Screening mammograms are a critical tool in catching breast cancer at an early stage, when it is most treatable,” Radtke said. “Mammograms can detect breast cancer before symptoms appear and when it is too small to identify by touch.”

A healthcare team may recommend additional steps if a person has been identified as having a higher risk. These could include added testing such as MRI or ultrasound, genetic testing or counseling and referral to a high-risk breast clinic.

60s and Beyond

Breast cancer risk increases with age. The median age of diagnosis is 63, according to the ACS. The ACS recommends screening mammograms for women who are in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years.

Varying from the ACS recommendation, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force states that “evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening mammography in women 75 years or older.”

“Your primary care doctor knows you and your healthy history best and can make a personalized recommendation on whether you should continue screening mammograms after the age of 75,” Radtke said.

Regardless of age, people can take steps to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Some factors such as age, ethnicity and family history are beyond control. “But you have the power to positively influence aspects of your overall health and breast cancer risk.”

Women should practice the following to help reduce their breast cancer risk, Radtke advised:

• Practice breast self-awareness. “Know your normal and bring any concerns to your healthcare team promptly.”
• Follow breast cancer screening guidelines.
• Track your family history.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Remain physically active.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Limit or avoid alcohol and refrain from smoking.

“Rather than fearing breast cancer, women should feel empowered with the knowledge to track and manage their risk,” Radtke said. “Your healthcare team is always here to help.”

People with questions about mammograms are encouraged to speak with a primary care provider or schedule one via MyThedaCare.

About ThedaCare

For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive healthcare system.

Date posted: October 15, 2026