From the Guidelines
There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that caffeine consumption directly causes the development of breast lumps, also known as fibrocystic breast changes. While some women may experience heightened symptoms of fibrocystic breast lumps due to caffeine intake, as noted in the American Cancer Society guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention 1, this does not imply a causal relationship between caffeine and the development of breast cancer or other types of cancer. Key points to consider include:
- The association between caffeine and breast lumps is not consistently supported by scientific evidence, with many studies failing to demonstrate a direct link between the two 1.
- Fibrocystic breast changes are common and often fluctuate with hormonal cycles, making it essential to seek medical evaluation for any new or concerning breast lumps, regardless of coffee consumption.
- A healthcare provider may recommend imaging such as ultrasound or mammogram, depending on age and risk factors, to assess breast lumps properly.
- The relationship between caffeine and breast tissue likely varies between individuals, with some women being more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others.
- If breast symptoms worsen with caffeine intake, a trial period of reducing caffeine consumption from all sources, including coffee, tea, chocolate, and certain medications, may be considered, but this should be done under proper medical guidance and not as a substitute for medical assessment.
From the Research
Relationship Between Caffeine Consumption and Breast Lumps
- The relationship between caffeine consumption and the development of breast lumps, specifically fibrocystic breast changes, is not directly addressed in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies do investigate the association between coffee and caffeine intake and breast cancer risk, as well as breast density, which may be related to fibrocystic breast changes.
- A study published in 2018 found that decaffeinated coffee was positively associated with breast density in premenopausal women, while decaffeinated and total coffee were inversely associated with breast density in postmenopausal women 2.
- Another study published in 2021 found that coffee consumption was inversely associated with breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women and in women carrying a BRCA1 mutation 3.
- A meta-analysis published in 2013 found that coffee and caffeine intake was not significantly associated with breast cancer risk, but an inverse association was found for postmenopausal women and BRCA1 mutation carriers 4.
- A systematic review and network meta-analysis published in 2021 found that low-dose coffee intake and high-dose tea intake may exhibit efficacy in preventing estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women 5.
- A prospective cohort study published in 2020 found that coffee consumption was associated with a lower incidence of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, but not in premenopausal women 6.
Key Findings
- Coffee and caffeine intake may be associated with reduced breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The relationship between coffee and caffeine intake and breast density may differ by menopausal status 2.
- The association between coffee and caffeine intake and breast cancer risk may differ by hormone therapy status and genetic mutations 2, 3, 4.