www.balancedhealthtoday.com www.balancedhealthtoday.com ” * If you have a lump in your breast, your doctor will check for the following: o Fibrocystic changes: Fibrocystic changes, previously called Fibrocystic Disease, are the most common benign or harmless (does not threaten health or life) condition of the breast. Changes can occur in one or both breasts, most commonly in the upper and outer sections. You may feel a thickening of the fibrous tissue that supports your glands. Common lumps, called fibroadenomas, occur during the reproductive years. They feel rubbery and movable. They often occur with fibrocystic changes. o Cysts: Breast cysts are fluid-filled lumps. They can be tender, especially before your period. * Breast cancer: Some lumps may be cancer. Breast cancer is usually associated with the risk factors of age, genetics, or hormones. About 75% of breast cancers occur in women older than 50 years, 23% occur in women ages 30-50 years, and 2% occur in women under 30 years. o Genetics is believed to play a role if your mother or sister (referred to as first-degree relatives) were diagnosed with breast cancer before menopause. You have a two to three times higher risk than the general population of developing breast cancer. o Hormonal factors may play a role. If you have had the following conditions, you may have an increased incidence of breast cancer (possibly because of longer exposure to a hormone called estrogen). + Had your first period at an early age + Had …