- Adult NF1
- Cancer
- NF Type 1
U.S. National Library of Medicine
Living with neurofibromatosis means staying informed about your health. Research has brought to light an important connection between NF1 and breast cancer risk for women, and we want to share what this means for our community.
Women with Neurofibromatosis 1 Are at a Moderately Increased Risk of Developing Breast Cancer and Should Be Considered for Early Screening
A comprehensive study has confirmed that women with NF1 have a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to the general population. This is especially true for women under the age of 50. The study found that:
- The overall risk is 3.5 times higher.
- For women under 50, the risk is nearly five times higher.
- By age 50, the chance of developing breast cancer is 8.4% for women with NF1, compared to 2% in the general population.
What This Means For You
Because of this finding, the study recommends that women with NF1 be considered in a “moderate risk” category. It’s suggested that you talk with your doctor about starting mammogram screenings at age 40. Early screening is a powerful tool for your health, and this information can help you make proactive decisions about your care.