What is fibrocystic disease, and does it affect my breast cancer risk?
Fibrocystic breast “disease” is not really a disease. Some women do have fibrocystic breasts or a fibrocystic condition. Fibrocystic conditions are used to describe a wide variety of breast problems, most of which are not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. These problems include cysts (a fluid-filled lump), soreness associated with lumpy breasts and fibroadenomas (a benign lump). Uncomplicated fibrocystic condition, including simple fibroadenomas have a negligible association with subsequent breast cancer. The only aspect of a fibrocystic breast condition that has a strong association with increased risk for breast cancer is atypical hyperplasia.
