The Epidemiology of Benign Breast Disease

Lower prevalence of benign diseases of the breast and benign tumours of the reproductive system among former college athletes compared to non-athletes

“…These findings are consistent with our previous findings that former college athletes had a lower prevalence of malignancies of the breast and reproductive system than did nonathletes (Frisch et al, 1985). Ernster (1981) in her extensive review of the epidemiology of BBD states that BBD 'however defined' is a 'very' common condition, and that perhaps as many as 8-15% of women undergo a breast biopsy for BBD by the age of 50. Our data, which are based on self-reports of physician diagnosed conditions and procedures, including biopsies, are consistent with the range cited by Ernster: the rates of BBD for women 30 yr and over are: 11.1% for former athletes, 13.4% for nonathletes, and 12.2% for both groups combined.…”

“…Breast cancer studies, however, document the opposite relation, i.e., a positive association between body weight and breast cancer (Ernster, 1981). It has been noted that the negative association of body weight with BBD may be diagnostic artifact, rather than obesity being protective (Ernster, 1981). Use of oral contraceptives was not protective, in accord with recent reports (Berkowitz et al, 1984).…”

“…In the analysis that follows we defined BBD as at least one benign breast tumour or at least one breast biopsy (Ernster, 1981;Love et al, 1982).…”

“…At present there is no concensus in the literature about the risk factors for BBD (Ernster, 1981), perhaps, in part, because of the varying definitions of benign breast disease. Some investigators believe that the risk factors for BBD are the same as those for breast cancer (Bradlow et al, 1983) while others do not (Soini et al, 1978).…”

“…We also found a negative association between BBD and obesity, in accord with previous reports. Breast cancer studies, however, document the opposite relation, i.e., a positive association between body weight and breast cancer (Ernster, 1981). It has been noted that the negative association of body weight with BBD may be diagnostic artifact, rather than obesity being protective (Ernster, 1981).…”