90% of Breast Health problems are benign - not Cancer.

Abnormalities may include:

CYSTS

• They are NOT related to breast cancer.
• About 60% of women will have at least one cyst during their lifetime.
• Cysts are collections of fluids in breast tissue.
• They are usually small and do not cause problems, but may increase in size, form a
• lump, or cause pain or tenderness.
• Cysts occur most commonly between the ages of 35 and 50 years and especially
• between 42 and 48 years.
• They are uncommon after menopause except in women on Hormone Replacement
• Therapy.

HORMONAL THICKENING

• Hormonal thickening is NOT related to the development of breast cancer.
• This can occur at any age during the reproductive years and may come and go.
• It is a response to hormone changes and is often related to pre-menopausal breast
• tenderness. It usually disappears naturally after menopause.
• Further diagnosis can be made with a combination of breast examination,
• mammography, ultrasound and needle biopsy.
• No treatment is necessary unless there is pain.

FIBROADENOMA

• They are not related to breast cancer but do need to be accurately diagnosed. This
• can usually be done by needle biopsy
• These are very common nodules in the breast and are commonly benign.
• They are common in young women (under 25) but can occur at any age. They
• appear as oval, tender masses and may not be able to be felt as lumps.
• Many women have more than one.
• Diagnosis is usually made by ultrasound, needle biopsy and mammography (in
• older women).
• They may be removed by surgery but this is not essential.

NIPPLE DISCHARGE

• Most nipple discharges are harmless - particularly if the discharge comes from more
• than one duct and from both nipples.
• If the discharge is bloodstained or watery it is important to see your Doctor.
• These discharges are due to the production of fluid by normal breast cells in
• response to hormones.