Calcifications in my breasts

[gbaham]

I have calcificatins in both breasts and mammograms indicate that they are non-cancerous.  However. I am concerned because research says that I am higher risk for cancer because they are in both breasts.  Each year for the past 3 years the results have remained the same.  Should I be concerned as I grow older because I am now 61 years old.

[ncmichigan]

Hi,
I thought I could add some personal insight along with zouzi's good advice. I am also
61 and have had mammos since I was in my late 20's due to family history and many benign changes. I've had two other biopsies that proved to be fibroadenomas. I've also had microcalcifications that were watched carefully. Last October, the radiologist noted two areas in my right breast that concerned her---one more than the other. She recommended biopsy of the most concerning one, but I had both biopsied. I was diagnosed with LCIS on  that biopsy. It's usually an incidental finding, but in my case the area of the cluster of microcalcifications is where the pathologist found it. It only requires even more monitoring ( I get mammos and MRIs alternating every six months now) and I may have to take tamoxifen. But at least I know it's there and puts me at a higher risk of breast cancer, so I can be pro-active.
I agree with zouzi to continue follow up as recommended by your doctors. Please just don't ever skip your mammo just because it's been the same for 3 years. Take good care of yourself and I wish you good results with every mammo in the future!
Hugs,
nc

[zouzi]

Hi,
Calcifications are a normal part of the aging process. If the calcifications are numerous, scattered throughout the breast, or large there tends to be less concern.  However, when calcifications are clustered and small, the concern arises as to whether they are forming around an abnormality.If you are having yearly mammograms and the results are the same,then you have nothing to worry about.If these calcifications become  suspicious then a biopsy is usually recommended...Just keep the follow-up recommendation and try not to worry too much.
Best wishes...