What age range is typically identified as having the highest risk of developing breast cancer?

The age range of 50 to 60 years is typically identified as having the highest risk of developing breast cancer due to several well-established factors. Breast cancer incidence increases with age, and the majority of cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 50. This increase in risk for this age group is associated with biological changes, such as hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menopause, which typically occurs around this age. Additionally, screening practices such as mammography are usually recommended to start around this age, leading to higher detection rates in this demographic.

While younger women can also develop breast cancer, the overall prevalence in the 20-30 and 30-40 age groups is significantly lower than in the 50-60 age range. For women aged 70 years and older, while they still have a risk, the peak incidence is generally recognized to occur just prior to this age range, making 50 to 60 years the most critical period for screening and early detection.