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Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute



"Confronting Cancer Through Art" is an exhibition by people whose lives have been touched by cancer.


This week we are featuring artwork by:
Jacqueline Kniewasser
Pontypool, Ontario


Visit the Children's Art Gallery

This week's artwork was donated by a pediatric cancer patient who received treatment for cancer at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

OncoLink FAQ: Large Breasts and Breast Cancer

Last Revision Date: Sunday, 14-Feb-1999 13:54:29 EST
Copyright © 1994-1999, The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania

This is a response to a question about the relationship between large breasts and breast cancer.

Question:

Hello,

My girlfriend believes that she has heard that there is an increased risk of breast cancer among women with larger than average breasts. She is also under the impression that having her breasts reduced would lower that risk.

I am wondering if you (or someone you could refer me to) are aware of any studies which might support or refute these hypotheses.

Thank you very much,

SF

Kenneth Blank, MD and Leonard Farber, MD, Editorial Assistants for Oncolink, respond:

Dear OncoLink Reader:

Thank you for your question. We are not aware of any studies that relate the size of a women's breast to the risk of breast cancer nor breast reduction surgery to decreasing that risk. Several well known risk factors exist and are generally grouped under genetic, familial, hormonal, dietary and environmental factors. However, the fact remains the majority of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factor.

For more on the risk factors associated with breast cancer please see our Breast Cancer Risk Factors section of OncoLink.

[UPHS] GENERAL DISCLAIMER
OncoLink is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.
For further information, consult the Editors at: editors@oncolink.upenn.edu