i have a cyst in my breast

i have recently discovered that i have i lump in my breast. it's really sensative when touched. i went to the doctor and they told me that it might be a cyst. if it is a cyst, can i still get breast cancer? why does it hurt so bad when touched? i was told by a friend that cysts can run in the family, i've had one in my ovaries and now in my breast, does it run in the family?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear jabrit:  A cyst is a benign (non-cancerous) fluid-filled structure.  They can cause pain, especially if they have developed quickly.  If a cyst is causing pain, it can be aspirated using a small needle.  Cysts are more common in women in their 30's and 40's but they can happen at any age.  Some people are just more prone to cysts.