Hi,
Most common causes of breast lumps are benign lesions such as fibroadenomas or cyst which are usually related with fluctuations in a woman's hormone levels.These changes are hormone related and they often resolve after a woman's periods is over.These benign lumps are usually left alone,but if they enlarge to much or cause pain,they could be removed..
I am glad to know that the lump in her breast was benign,but if she is on oral contraceptive pills,I would advise her to discuss with her doctor the many health risk associated with the pill.Some types of birth control pills help relieve breast pain for some women, while other women have more breast pain while on the pill. Each woman processes hormones differently.
A number of studies suggest that current use of oral contraceptives appears to slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, especially among younger women.So please tell you wife to discuss in depth with her doctor the risks of using the pill ,especially because of her family history of breast cancer.
All the best to both of you...
Hi,
I just want to add some additional information regarding birth control pills:
The decision about whether to use oral contraceptives is very complicated, and needs to be researched thoroughly and considered in the context of each woman's health history and risk factors for various types of cancer.
The research on whether oral contraeptives raise the risk for breast cancer is inconclusive. Older studies, based on the early birth control pills that contained much higher levels of hormones than today's low-dose pills
suggested there was an increased risk. esp. with a specific formulation, the triphasic pill. However, another reputable study by Women's Contraceptive and Reproductive Experience (Women's CARE) done between 1994 and 1998 showed there was no increased risk of breast cancer in current or former users of birth control pills.
Two newer studies (2011) confirm that oral contraceptives are not associated with breast cancer–specific or all-cause mortality. In general, most studies have not found an overall increased risk of breast cancer due to the use of oral contraceptives.
Research also indicates oral contraceptives are associated with lowered risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer, as well as colorectal cancer.
Women should discuss their family history of all cancers with their doctor when evaluating the risks and benefits of using birth control pills.
Best wishes to you and your wife,
bluebutterfly