Does Mastitis History Increase Breast Cancer Risk?
- Michael R. Forrest, M.D.
Question
Does a history of mastitis increase my risk for breast cancer?
Answer
The factors that are known to increase a woman's risk for breast cancer are: Older age, a BRCA genetic mutation, mother or sister with breast cancer, beginning menstrual periods before age 12, periods stopping after age 55, first child born after age 30, use of oral contraceptive pills, use of estrogen and progesterone hormone replacement therapy after menopause, more than one alcoholic drink per day, dense breasts on mammograms, and a history of breast biopsies for benign disease.
As you can see, a history of mastitis is not on this list and thus is not a risk factor.
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