Benign breast disease linked to increased breast cancer risk

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When it comes to breast cancer risk, women diagnosed with benign breast disease (BBD) during the era of percutaneous biopsy face a higher overall risk compared to the general population, a new study reveals.

Breast cancer is a significant health concern for women worldwide. Benign breast disease (BBD) refers to non-cancerous conditions that can affect the breast tissue.

In some cases, women with BBD may wonder if they are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer in the future. Understanding this risk is essential for healthcare providers and patients.

A group of researchers, led by Dr. Mark E. Sherman from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, conducted a retrospective cohort study.

Their goal was to estimate the risk of breast cancer associated with BBD, particularly during the era of percutaneous biopsy. Percutaneous biopsy is a procedure used to collect breast tissue samples for examination.

The study used data collected from BBD biopsy specimens between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2014. The researchers included a total of 4,819 female participants, with a median age of 51 years.

They followed these women until specific events occurred, including a breast cancer diagnosis or until December 31, 2021.

The results of the study showed that women with BBD faced a higher risk of breast cancer compared to the general population. The risk was notably increased for various categories:

  • Overall breast cancer risk
  • Invasive breast cancer risk
  • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) risk

The risk also appeared to rise with the severity of BBD:

  • Nonproliferative (NP) BBD
  • Proliferative disease without atypia (PDWA)
  • Atypical hyperplasia (AH)

Additionally, the risk increased with the number of lesions detected in the breast tissue.

Key Statistics:

  • The standard incidence ratios (SIRs) for breast cancer overall, invasive breast cancer, and DCIS were higher in the BBD cohort compared to the general population.
  • Women with AH faced a substantially increased risk of breast cancer.
  • The 10-year cumulative incidence of breast cancer was higher for women with more severe forms of BBD.

The study’s findings suggest that women diagnosed with BBD, especially those with AH, should undergo close surveillance and consider preventive therapy.

This means that healthcare providers should continue to monitor and support women with BBD to manage their breast cancer risk effectively.

Understanding the link between benign breast disease and breast cancer risk is crucial for healthcare providers and women.

This study highlights the importance of regular monitoring and preventive measures, especially for those with more severe forms of BBD. It provides valuable insights into breast health management in the era of percutaneous biopsy.

If you care about breast cancer, please read studies about a major cause of deadly breast cancer, and common blood pressure drugs may increase death risk in breast cancer.

For more information about cancer, please see recent studies that new cancer treatment could reawaken the immune system, and results showing vitamin D can cut cancer death risk.

The research findings can be found in JAMA Surgery.

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