There are a number of benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions. Some of these conditions are associated with an increased breast cancer risk.
If you are diagnosed with a “proliferative” breast condition, this means that your breast cells are growing and reproducing more quickly than normal. A proliferative condition is still benign, but it does indicate that you have a moderate increase in risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
The cells from a proliferative condition can be examined under a microscope. If they look unusual or irregular, their condition is called "atypical." A proliferative condition that is also atypical indicates a higher increase in breast cancer risk.
If you have had a benign breast condition and have concerns about your risk for breast cancer, speak to a health care provider for more information.
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation encourages you to learn about your breast health, breast cancer risk, ways to reduce your risk, and the benefits and limitations of screening for the earlier detection of breast cancer. To inform your decisions, we also encourage you to consider speaking to a health care provider.
Source
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Ontario Region. (2010). Earlier Detection and Diagnosis of Breast Cancer: A Report from It’s About Time! A Consensus Conference.