Fibrocystic Breast Condition (cont.)
In this Article
Are there any dietary or life style factors associated with
fibrocystic breast condition?
Caffeine has been implicated as contributing to both the symptoms and
scarring (fibrocystic) changes in fibrocystic breast condition. However, when the
scientific evidence is reviewed, the results are conflicting, and no firm
benefit of caffeine restriction can be scientifically established. Additionally,
there appears to be no evidence that caffeine increases the risk of breast
cancer. However, in women with fibrocystic breast condition, it might still be
worth a trial of caffeine restriction. (Note that coffee is not the only source
of caffeine. Tea, chocolate, and certain soft drinks also contain caffeine.)
There is no harm in trying caffeine avoidance, and there may be a few
fibrocystic breast condition patients for whom it is beneficial.
At this time, there is a great deal of circumstantial evidence that dietary
and hormonal factors can affect fibrocystic breast condition and its associated
risk of breast cancer. Still, a firm association between dietary factors and
fibrocystic breast condition has not been established.
- Fibrocystic breast condition is lumpiness in one or both breasts.
- Breast tenderness or pain are usually present in fibrocystic breast
condition.
- Fibrocystic breast condition is a very common and benign condition.
- Normal hormonal variation during the menstrual cycle is the primary
contributing factor to fibrocystic breast condition.
- Fibrocystic breast condition is a cumulative process that mainly affects
women over 30.
- The foremost concern is not fibrocystic breast condition itself but the
threat of breast cancer.
- The lumps in fibrocystic breast condition can mimic and mask breast cancer.
- Recommended measures for women with fibrocystic breast condition include:
- Learning about fibrocystic breast condition and its symptoms;
- Learning breast self-examination;
- Having regular breast exams by a doctor; and
- Having regular breast imaging (mammograms).
- Treatment of fibrocystic breast condition aims at the relief of breast pain
and tenderness and correction of menstrual irregularities.
Reviewed by: Jaswant S Chaddha, MD, FACOG, FACS, FICS
Last Editorial Review: 5/3/2007
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