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PROLIFERATIVE BREAST CONDITIONS

There are a number of benign breast conditions. Benign means that the conditions are not cancer. However, some benign breast conditions are associated with breast cancer risk.

If a condition is "proliferative," it means that cells are growing and reproducing more quickly than normal. A proliferative condition is not cancer, but does indicate that you have a slightly elevated risk for developing breast cancer in the future.

The cells from a proliferative condition can be examined under a microscope to determine if they look normal. If they appear irregular, the condition is also "atypical." A proliferative condition that is also atypical indicates additional breast cancer risk.

If you have had a benign breast condition and have concerns about your risk for breast cancer, your doctor can provide more information.