Cohort study of association of risk of breast cancer with cyst type in women with gross cystic disease of the breast.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess correlation between type of breast cyst and risk of breast cancer in women with gross cystic disease of the breast.

DESIGN:

Cohort study of women with breast cysts aspirated between 1983 and 1993 who were followed up until December 1994 for occurrence of breast cancer.

SETTING:

Major cancer prevention centre.

SUBJECTS:

802 women with aspirated breast cysts.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Type of breast cyst based on cationic content of cyst fluid: type I (potassium:sodium ratio > 1.5), type II (potassium:sodium ratio < 1.5), or mixed (both types). Subsequent occurrence and type of breast cancer.

RESULTS:

After median follow up of six years (range 2-12 years) 15 cases of invasive breast cancer and two ductal carcinomas in situ were diagnosed in the cohort: 12 invasive cancers (and two carcinomas in situ) among the 417 women with type I cysts, two cancers among the 325 women with type II cysts, and one among the 60 women with mixed cysts. The incidence of breast cancer in women with type I cysts was significantly higher than that in women with type II cysts (relative risk 4.62 (95% confidence interval 1.26 to 29.7)). These results were confirmed after adjustment for several risk factors for breast cancer (relative risk 4.24 (1.12 to 27.5)).

CONCLUSIONS:

The increased risk of breast cancer of women with breast cysts seems to be concentrated among women with type I breast cysts.

• Authors: P Bruzzi, L Dogliotti, C Naldoni, L Bucchi, M Costantini, A Cicognani, M Torta, G F Buzzi, A Angeli
• Journal: BMJ (Clinical research ed.) (BMJ) Vol. 314 Issue 7085 Pg. 925-8 (Mar 29 1997) ISSN: 0959-8138 [Print] England
• PMID: 9099114 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Sodium
• Potassium

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Breast Neoplasms (etiology)
• Cohort Studies
• Female
• Fibrocystic Breast Disease (classification, complications, metabolism, pathology)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Potassium (metabolism)
• Risk Factors
• Sodium (metabolism)