The idea that abnormal cells are present within your breast may cause a lot of anxiety. The reality is that the diagnosis of atypia is a window into the cellular activity in our breasts. A window we really never had access to before. This window may allow us to see small changes well before they become cancer. Most women would rather know that they are more susceptible to develop breast cancer so that they can be followed more closely.
The finding of atypia is considered in the context of your health history and other family history but may increase your breast cancer risk 4-6 fold. The most important thing to do with this information is to find a breast specialist who can partner with you to minimize the risk of this developing into anything more serious.
Also, know that there are several positive interventions that we may make to reduce your risk even in the face of atypia. Science has allowed us to see things well before we can see them on an x-ray. Using this information and making positive changes may afford us the opportunity to halt the progression of these changes!
