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Yaghjyan L, Heng YJ, Baker GM, Rosner BA, Tamimi RM. Associations of alcohol consumption with breast tissue composition. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:33. [PMID: 36998083 PMCID: PMC10061845 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01638-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the associations of alcohol with percentage of epithelium, stroma, fibroglandular tissue (epithelium + stroma), and fat in benign breast biopsy samples. METHODS We included 857 cancer-free women with biopsy-confirmed benign breast disease within the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHSII cohorts. Percentage of each tissue was measured on whole slide images using a deep-learning algorithm and then log-transformed. Alcohol consumption (recent and cumulative average) was assessed with semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires. Regression estimates were adjusted for known breast cancer risk factors. All tests were 2-sided. RESULTS Alcohol was inversely associated with % of stroma and fibroglandular tissue (recent ≥ 22 g/day vs. none: stroma: β = - 0.08, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] - 0.13; - 0.03; fibroglandular: β = - 0.08, 95% CI - 0.13; - 0.04; cumulative ≥ 22 g/day vs. none: stroma: β = - 0.08, 95% CI - 0.13; - 0.02; fibroglandular: β = - 0.09, 95% CI - 0.14; - 0.04) and positively associated with fat % (recent ≥ 22 g/day vs. none: β = 0.30, 95% CI 0.03; 0.57; cumulative ≥ 22 g/day vs. none: β = 0.32, 95% CI 0.04; 0.61). In stratified analysis, alcohol consumption was not associated with tissue measures in premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, cumulative alcohol use was inversely associated with % of stroma and fibroglandular tissue and positively associated with fat % (≥ 22 g/day vs. none: stroma: β = - 0.16, 95% CI - 0.28; - 0.07; fibroglandular: β = - 0.18, 95% CI - 0.28; - 0.07; fat: β = 0.61, 95% CI 0.01; 1.22), with similar results for recent alcohol use. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that alcohol consumption is associated with smaller % of stroma and fibroglandular tissue and a greater % of fat in postmenopausal women. Future studies are warranted to confirm our findings and to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lusine Yaghjyan
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd., Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Yujing J Heng
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gabrielle M Baker
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bernard A Rosner
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rulla M Tamimi
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Yu T, Ye DM. The epidemiologic factors associated with breast density: A review. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 27:53. [PMID: 36092490 PMCID: PMC9450246 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_962_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, some studies have evaluated the epidemiologic factors associated with breast density. However, the variant and inconsistent results exist. In addition, breast density has been proved to be a significant risk factor associated with breast cancer. Our review summarized the published studies and emphasized the crucial factors including epidemiological factors associated with breast density. In addition, we also discussed the potential reasons for the discrepant results with risk factors. To decrease the incidence and mortality rates for breast cancer, in clinical practice, breast density should be included for clinical risk models in addition to epidemiological factors, and physicians should get more concentrate on those women with risk factors and provide risk-based breast cancer screening regimens.
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Hur J, Smith-Warner SA, Rimm EB, Willett WC, Wu K, Cao Y, Giovannucci E. Alcohol intake in early adulthood and risk of colorectal cancer: three large prospective cohort studies of men and women in the United States. Eur J Epidemiol 2021; 36:325-333. [PMID: 33586078 PMCID: PMC8168576 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-021-00723-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Heavy alcohol consumption in mid-adulthood is an established risk factor of colorectal cancer (CRC). Alcohol use in early adulthood is common, but its association with subsequent CRC risk remains largely unknown. We prospectively investigated the association of average alcohol intake in early adulthood (age 18-22) with CRC risk later in life among 191,543 participants of the Nurses' Health Study ([NHS], 1988-2014), NHSII (1989-2015) and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (1988-2014). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), which were pooled using random effects models. We documented 2,624 CRC cases. High alcohol consumption in early adulthood (≥ 15 g/day) was associated with a higher CRC risk (multivariable HR 1.28, 95% CI 0.99-1.66, Ptrend = 0.02; Pheterogeneity = 0.44), after adjusting for potential confounding factors in early adulthood. Among never/light smokers in early adulthood, the risk associated with high alcohol consumption in early adulthood was elevated (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.04-2.24), compared with those who had < 1 g/day of alcohol intake. The suggestive higher CRC risk associated with high alcohol consumption in early adulthood was similar in those who had < 15 g/day (HR 1.35, 95% CI 0.98-1.86) versus ≥ 15 g/day of midlife alcohol intake (HR 1.35, 95% CI 0.89-2.05), compared with nondrinkers in both life stages. The findings from these large prospective cohort studies suggest that higher alcohol intake in early adulthood may be associated with a higher risk of developing CRC later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhee Hur
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie A Smith-Warner
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric B Rimm
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Walter C Willett
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kana Wu
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yin Cao
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Edward Giovannucci
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Berkey CS, Tamimi RM, Willett WC, Rosner B, Hickey M, Toriola AT, Frazier AL, Colditz GA. Adolescent alcohol, nuts, and fiber: combined effects on benign breast disease risk in young women. NPJ Breast Cancer 2020; 6:61. [PMID: 33298962 PMCID: PMC7683739 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-020-00206-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent drinking is associated with higher risks of proliferative benign breast disease (BBD) and invasive breast cancer (BC). Furthermore, adolescent nut and fiber consumptions are associated with lower risks of benign lesions and premenopausal BC. We hypothesize that diet (nuts, fiber) may mitigate the elevated BBD risk associated with alcohol. A prospective cohort of 9031 females, 9-15 years at baseline, completed questionnaires in 1996-2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2014. Participants completed food frequency questionnaires in 1996-2001. In 2005, participants (>=18 years) began reporting biopsy-confirmed BBD (N = 173 cases). Multivariable logistic regression estimated associations between BBD and cross-classified intakes (14-17 years) of alcohol and peanut butter/nuts (separately, total dietary fiber). Only 19% of participants drank in high school; drinking was associated with elevated BBD risk (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.20-2.56; p = 0.004) compared to nondrinkers. Participants consuming any nuts/butter had lower BBD risk (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45-0.90; p = 0.01) compared to those consuming none. Participants in top 75% fiber intake had lower risk (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40-0.81; p = 0.002) compared to bottom quartile. Testing our hypothesis that consuming nuts/butter mitigates the elevated alcohol risk, analyzing alcohol and nuts combined found that those who consumed both had lower risk (RR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24-0.89; p = 0.02) compared to drinkers eating no nuts. Our analysis of alcohol and fiber together did not demonstrate risk mitigation by fiber. For high school females who drink, their BBD risk may be attenuated by consuming nuts. Due to modest numbers, future studies need to replicate our findings in adolescent/adult females. However, high school students may be encouraged to eat nuts and fiber, and to avoid alcohol, to reduce risk of BBD and for general health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Berkey
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Rulla M Tamimi
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Walter C Willett
- Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bernard Rosner
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martha Hickey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Adetunji T Toriola
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine and Alvin J Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - A Lindsay Frazier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Graham A Colditz
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Abstract
Globally, more than 2 million new cases of breast cancer are reported annually. The United States alone has more than 496,000 new cases every year. The worldwide prevalence is approximately 6.8 million cases. Although many risk factors for breast cancer are not modifiable, understanding the role of the factors that can be altered is critical. Alcohol consumption is a modifiable factor. Studies of alcohol in relation to breast cancer incidence have included hundreds of thousands of women. Evidence is consistent that intake, even intake of less than 10–15 grams per day, is associated with increased risk of this disease. In addition, evidence, although less extensive, shows that possible early indicators of risk, such as benign breast disease and increased breast density, are associated with alcohol consumption. Evidence is less strong for differences based on geographic region, beverage type, drinking pattern, or breast cancer subtype. Some studies have examined the association between alcohol and recurrence or survival after a breast cancer diagnosis. These findings are less consistent. Public awareness of alcohol as a risk factor for breast cancer is low, and public health measures to increase that awareness are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo L Freudenheim
- School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
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Environmental Influences on Mammographic Breast Density in California: A Strategy to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16234731. [PMID: 31783496 PMCID: PMC6926682 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
State legislation in many U.S. states, including California, mandates informing women if they have dense breasts on screening mammography, meaning over half of their breast tissue is comprised of non-adipose tissue. Breast density is important to interpret screening sensitivity and is an established breast cancer risk factor. Environmental chemical exposures may play an important role in this, especially during key windows of susceptibility for breast development: in utero, during puberty, pregnancy, lactation, and the peri-menopause. There is a paucity of research, however, examining whether environmental chemical exposures are associated with mammographic breast density, and even less is known about environmental exposures during windows of susceptibility. Now, with clinical breast density scoring being reported routinely for mammograms, it is possible to find out, especially in California, where there are large study populations that can link environmental exposures during windows of susceptibility to breast density. Density scores are now available throughout the state through electronic medical records. We can link these with environmental chemical exposures via state-wide monitoring. Studying the effects of environmental exposure on breast density may provide valuable monitoring and etiologic data to inform strategies to reduce breast cancer risk.
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