78% of breast cancers are diagnosed after menopause: keys to understanding this growing risk

Menopause marks a turning point in women's lives. Beyond hormonal changes and common symptoms such as hot flushes, 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 in the Women's Unit team at Ruber Internacional Hospital, who stresses the importance of furthering research into this relationship in order 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,’ says the specialist. The impact is significant: 78% of breast cancer cases diagnosed in Spain are in postmenopausal women, a figure that highlights the need for extreme clinical monitoring at this stage.
Breast cancer remains the most common tumour in women. In 2024 alone, almost 39,000 new cases were detected in Spain, although survival rates are very high, close to 90%, especially when diagnosed early.
Age, the most decisive risk factor
Although menopause coincides with an increase in 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 tumour increase. However, in breast cancer, other factors specific to the postmenopausal stage also come into play,’ explains Dr Suárez.
These factors include:
1. Cumulative hormonal exposure
Although hormones decrease after menopause, the body has been exposed to them for decades. The specialist points out that ‘early menarche or late menopause increase the time of exposure to oestrogen, and this influences the risk of developing breast cancer.’
2. Increased body fat
After menopause, it is common for the amount of body fat to increase. Adipose tissue produces small amounts of oestrogen that can continue to influence hormone-dependent tumours. ‘Seventy per cent of breast cancers respond to hormones. Therefore, the increase in fatty tissue is a relevant factor,’ says the doctor.
3. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
HRT is used to relieve the most intense symptoms of menopause. According to Dr Esther Suárez, ‘it is not contraindicated, but prolonged use, especially when combining oestrogen and progesterone, can increase the risk. It is essential to individualise each case.’ Prior medical assessment and regular monitoring are essential to minimise risks.
Modifiable factors: a decisive role in prevention
Although certain factors—such as age or genetic history—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 behaviours and habits that can significantly reduce the risk,’ says Dr Suárez. Recommendations include:
• Maintaining a healthy weight to avoid additional oestrogen production from adipose tissue.
• Regular physical activity, which improves metabolic and hormonal parameters.
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle, do not smoke, and moderate alcohol consumption, all of which are factors associated with an increased risk of cancer.
• Attend regular check-ups, including mammograms and gynaecological examinations.
• Carefully consider HRT, always under medical supervision.
Early detection: the key to survival
Thanks to screening programmes, greater awareness and medical advances, breast cancer now has one of the highest survival rates among tumours. ‘In its early stages, the disease is highly treatable and therapeutic options are more effective,’ says Dr Suárez.
Spanish screening programmes, based on regular mammograms, enable tumours to be detected before they cause any symptoms. The specialist emphasises that ‘detecting breast cancer in its early stages makes the difference between less aggressive treatment and more complex treatment.’
Prevention, self-care, weight control and regular clinical monitoring are therefore fundamental pillars for reducing incidence and improving prognosis.