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Does lump in breast increase cancer risk?

Page last modified on: August 19, 2008
Question from Katdal: Last year I had a lump in my breast. Does that increase my chance of breast cancer?
Answer —Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Eight out of 10 lumps that you feel in your breast are totally benign or not cancerous. Having multiple lumps in the past requiring biopsies is associated with breasts that are somewhat hyperactive, and which may have a slightly greater tendency to misbehave. But in general, a benign lump is a benign lump. Once it is removed, it has no potential to cause other problems.

On Wednesday, June 20, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Tackling Fear. Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S.,Marisa Weiss, M.D. and moderator Gwen Darien, Editor-in-Chief, MAMM Magazine, answered your questions about how to manage breast cancer fears.


The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Lillie Shockney, RN., BS., M.A.S.Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. is the administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

Gwen Darien, MAMM Magazine publisher and editor-in-chief, is a cancer survivor.

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