Many women believe that a lump in the breast is a sign of cancer. However, several conditions can cause breast lumps.

Causes of breast lumps, apart from cancer, include:

1. FIBROADENOMA A benign tumor that tends to occur in women aged 20 to 30 years. The tumor forms from changes in breast tissue and connective tissue. The trigger can be hormonal changes, such as estrogen fluctuations or the use of birth control pills before the age of 20.
2. FIBROCYSTIC BREASTS Abnormal growth of fibrous tissue in the breast, making it more prominent than fatty tissue. This condition is commonly experienced by women aged 30 to 50 years. The trigger is hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, particularly estrogen fluctuations.
3. CYST A lump filled with fluid that is round or elongated, with a soft texture, and sometimes feels firm when touched. The trigger can be the accumulation of fluid in the breast glands due to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
4. LIPOMA A slow-growing fatty lump beneath the breast skin. This condition is more likely in women aged 40 to 60 years and has a higher risk if there is a family history of lipoma.
5. MASTITIS Inflammation of breast tissue experienced by breastfeeding mothers. This condition can lead to abscesses (collections of pus) in breast tissue. Bacterial infections in breast tissue and blockage in ducts (the channels that carry breast milk from the glands to the nipple) can trigger this condition.
6. FAT NECROSIS Damage to fat glands in the breast, usually resulting from injury, surgery, or radiation therapy to the breast.
7. INTRADUCTAL PAPILLOMA A benign tumor that forms in the milk ducts, the channels that carry milk from the milk-producing lobules to the nipple. The tumor is composed of fibrous tissue, glands, and blood vessels. This condition typically affects women aged 35 to 55 years.
8. BREAST CYSTS Fluid-filled lumps usually found in women between the ages of 30-50 years. They are typically small, with a smooth surface and easy mobility. Such cysts are usually left alone, but if they are large or painful, the fluid can be drained using a small needle and syringe with local anesthesia. These lumps are typically benign and do not contain cancer cells.

PREVENTION Prevention involves regularly performing self-breast examinations (SBE) every month. For menstruating women, the examination should be done 7 days after the first day of menstruation, while for women who are no longer menstruating, it can be done at any time. Women aged 40-50 years should consider breast screening once a year, and women aged >50 years should have breast screening every 2 years.

Author: Dr. Bernarita Akpri Anggraini (Medical Consultant at PRAMITA Clinical Laboratory, Mt. Haryono Street No. 5-7, Balikpapan)