What is known about the effect of starting menstruation later than average on risk for breast cancer?
Breast cancer is thought to be related to exposure to hormones. An early age at first menstruation is associated with a slight increase in risk. Beginning menstruation before age 12 is considered early. One study showed a decreased breast cancer risk with starting menstruation at 15 or older, relative to starting menstruation at age 13; and that the relation was stronger among premenopausal breast cancer vs. postmenopausal (44, 48).
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