As aging and lifestyle changes continue, the number of breast cancer patients age 60 and older has been rising, increasing the importance of regular screenings.
Dr. Kim Yoon-young, a professor of surgery at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, said breast cancer patterns in South Korea are becoming increasingly similar to those seen in Western countries because of changes in diet and lifestyle, emphasizing that adults age 65 and older should be especially vigilant.
According to the National Health Insurance Service, breast cancer patients in their 50s and 60s accounted for 60.8% of all cases in 2021.
National cancer statistics also showed that adults age 65 and older represented 50.4% of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in 2023.
About 35,000 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed annually in South Korea, with the share of older patients steadily increasing.
Breast cancer is considered highly treatable when detected early.
When diagnosed at an early stage, long-term survival rates are high and patients are generally able to return to daily life relatively quickly after treatment.
However, if the disease is discovered after it has progressed, treatment becomes more complicated and outcomes may worsen.
Mammography remains the foundation of breast cancer screening.
In general, women age 40 and older are advised to undergo screening every one to two years.
Regular self-examinations are also important.
Experts recommend gently checking the breasts for lumps while showering and using a mirror to look for skin dimpling or nipple discharge.
Common risk factors include family history, obesity, alcohol consumption and lack of exercise.
Women who have never given birth may also face a higher risk.
Weight management and regular exercise become particularly important after menopause.
Aerobic exercise such as brisk walking for 20 to 30 minutes, four to five times a week, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Dr. Kim stressed that breast cancer often progresses without pain, warning that ignoring symptoms simply because there is no discomfort can be dangerous. She said it is important to undergo proper examinations rather than delaying screenings.
She added that breast ultrasound plays an important role for many Korean women with dense breast tissue, and advised seeking medical attention if symptoms such as lumps, skin dimpling, thickened skin resembling an orange peel, nipple inversion or bloody nipple discharge appear.