Are women with "cystic breast disorder" at higher risk of getting cancer?

--Ann

No. Garden-variety fibrocystic breast changes do not increase the risk of breast cancer. In one study by breast specialist Susan Love, involving 6,500 women with fibrocystic breasts, only 3 percent went on to have breast cancer.

Fibrocystic change is the most common benign condition of the breast; it affects about 10 percent of women under age 21 and becomes much more common in the premenopausal years. During breast self-exams or exams by a health care provider, the breasts feel diffusely lumpy and bumpy. Pain and tenderness are common, especially right before a period. Frequently, discomfort is mainly in the upper outer portions of the breasts.

There are several treatments for the pain and swelling that often accompanies fibrocystic changes. Eliminating caffeine (in coffee, tea, colas, chocolate) provides improvement in 60-65 percent of women. Vitamins E (400-800 IU daily) and A (150,000 IU daily) may help in some women. (Note: Women who may become pregnant should not take more than 25,000 IU of Vitamin A, as amounts greater than this have been associated with birth defects.) Diuretics used right around the menstrual period can provide relief from uncomfortable swelling of the breasts. Birth control pills may help as well, although the effect is often not noticed for a year or two. Natural progesterone, including progesterone creams, may also help.

Fibrocystic changes are a condition of the breast, not a "disease," and they do not increase the risk of cancer. Women with fibrocystic changes need to do regular breast exams so they become familiar enough with their breasts' lumpiness and will be able to detect something that feels different.