Can Dietary and Physical Activity Modifications Reduce Breast Density in Postmenopausal Women? The DAMA Study, a Randomized Intervention Trial in Italy

Physical Activity and Mammographic Density in Japanese Women

BACKGROUND

Dense breast is one of the strong risk factors for breast cancer among women. While it has been established that physical activity is associated with decreased risk for breast cancer, results have been inconsistent in terms of mammographic density. Thus, we examined physical activity in relation to mammographic density among Japanese women in Tokyo.

METHODS

We used 123,026 records from 33,698 Japanese women without a history of breast cancer who got mammograms at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo, Japan from 2004 to 2019. Mammographic density was classified according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), and women self-reported their physical activity level over the past year. ORs were estimated using logistic generalized estimating equations after adjusting for age, body mass index, menopausal status, parity, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, hormone therapy use, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and year.

RESULTS

We observed inverse associations of physical activity with dense breasts. Adjusted ORs were 0.96 (95% confidence interval: 0.91-1.00) for women with physical exercise for 1-2 days per week, 0.94 (0.88-0.99) for those with physical exercise for 3-5 days per week, and 0.91 (0.84-0.99) for those with daily physical exercise when compared with those reported seldom physical exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher levels of physical activity may be associated with decreased mammographic density levels in Japanese women.

IMPACT

Increasing physical activity may serve as a reasonable intervention to reduce mammographic density, and thereby, to mitigate the risk of breast cancer in Asian women.

Dietary Approach of Patients with Hormone-Related Cancer Based on the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Estimates

Hormone-related cancers, namely breast, endometrial, cervical, prostate, testicular, and thyroid, constitute a specific group of cancers dependent on hormone levels that play an essential role in cancer growth. In addition to the traditional risk factors, diet seems to be an important environmental factor that partially explains the steadily increased prevalence of this group of cancer. The composition of food, the dietary patterns, the endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and the way of food processing and preparation related to dietary advanced glycation end-product formation are all related to cancer. However, it remains unclear which specific dietary components mediate this relationship. Carbohydrates seem to be a risk factor for cancer in general and hormone-related cancers, in particular, with a difference between simple and complex carbohydrates. Glycemic index and glycemic load estimates reflect the effect of dietary carbohydrates on postprandial glucose concentrations. Several studies have investigated the relationship between the dietary glycemic index and glycemic load estimates with the natural course of cancer and, more specifically, hormone-related cancers. High glycemic index and glycemic load diets are associated with cancer development and worse prognosis, partially explained by the adverse effects on insulin metabolism, causing hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, and also by inflammation and oxidative stress induction. Herein, we review the existing data on the effect of diets focusing on the glycemic index and glycemic load estimates on hormone-related cancers.

"I haven't had that information, even though I think I'm really well-informed about most things": a qualitative focus group study on Australian women's understanding and views of potentially modifiable risk factors for breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Building health literacy about potentially modifiable risk factors for breast cancer may help to empower women to make more informed decisions about their breast health; however there has been limited qualitative research on this topic. This study aimed to explore current knowledge, understanding and experience of potentially modifiable risk factors for breast cancer, and views on current and future communication strategies for this information and related interventions.

METHODS

Qualitative study using online focus groups via Zoom in October-November 2022. A diverse sample of women from the Australian community aged 40-74 years were recruited.

RESULTS

Fifty-one women from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds took part in nine focus groups. General knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer in the community is limited, particularly in relation to modifiable factors such as alcohol consumption and postmenopausal obesity, with many women describing feelings of 'shock' following this information. Women overwhelming believed that information on modifiable risk factors for breast cancer should be communicated more widely, however communication preferences for receiving this information varied. There was a strong preference amongst the women for a cascade of information which they believed may then help target greater number of women of all ages and backgrounds. Despite worry about long-term compliance, women also supported various lifestyle interventions which may help them and other women to reduce their overall risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study highlight the need for more widespread community communication and education about risk factors for breast, in particular potentially modifiable risk factors such as alcohol consumption and postmenopausal obesity. As breast screening programs in Australia and globally begin to evaluate the potential for risk-related screening this will provide an additional context for primary prevention, hence planning of messaging and piloting of lifestyle-related prevention strategies in breast cancer is needed now. Gaining an understanding of women's preferences for communication and forms of interventions is vital to ensure their engagement.

Adipocytokine plasma level changes in a 24-month dietary and physical activity randomised intervention trial in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

Adipocytokines are signaling molecules secreted by adipose tissue contributing to the control of body fat, energy expenditure and secretion of insulin and cytokines. They have been related to the development of obesity, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Diet and physical activity (PA) may have beneficial effects on their level. We evaluated the effects of a 24-month dietary and/or PA intervention on plasma levels of adipocytokines as a secondary analysis in the DAMA (Diet, physical Activity and Mammography) trial.

METHODS

The 234 study participants (healthy postmenopausal women with high breast density, 50-69 years, non-smokers, no hormone therapy) were randomised to four arms: (1) isocaloric dietary intervention mainly based on plant-foods; (2) moderate-intensity PA intervention with at least 1 h/week of supervised strenuous activity; (3) both interventions; (4) general recommendations on healthy dietary and PA patterns. Leptin, resistin and adiponectin were measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Analyses were performed using Tobit regression.

RESULTS

After 24 months, women randomised to PA intervention (arms #2 + #3) showed significant lower level of leptin (37.5% lower) and resistin (65.6% lower) compared to the control group (arms #1 + #4). No significant differences emerged in adiponectin levels. No significant differences in leptin, resistin and adiponectin levels at follow-up emerged in women randomised to the dietary intervention (arms #1 + #3) in comparison with controls (arms #2 + #4).

CONCLUSION

This study supports the effectiveness of PA, even at moderate intensity, in improving the leptin and resistin profile in postmenopausal women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN28492718, date of trial registration 17/05/2012.

Dietary Patterns, Dietary Interventions, and Mammographic Breast Density: A Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common and deadliest malignancy among women. High mammographic breast density (MBD) is an established modifiable risk marker for BC, and it is of interest, for prevention purposes, to consider lifestyle factors that may modulate both MBD and BC risk. Here, we conducted a systematic review of the most up-to-date evidence on the association between diet as a whole and MBD.

METHODS

We considered as eligible for inclusion in our review (PROSPERO registration code CRD42022335289) the studies published until 31 December 2021, that reported on the association between a priori or a posteriori dietary patterns (in observational studies) or dietary interventions (in randomized controlled trials) and MBD.

RESULTS

In total, twelve studies were included. MBD tended to be inversely associated with adherence to dietary patterns characterized by high consumption of plant-based foods and low in meat, animal fats, and alcohol, defined both a priori (e.g., Mediterranean diet and WCRF/AICR guidelines) or a posteriori (e.g., "fruit-vegetable-cereal" and "salad-sauce-pasta/grains" patterns). Findings from intervention studies were in fair agreement with those from observational studies.

CONCLUSIONS

While further studies are needed, we found suggestive evidence that the adoption of a healthy diet is associated with lower MBD.

Obesity and Breast Cancer Risk: The Oncogenic Implications of Metabolic Dysregulation

CONTEXT

Breast cancer is increasing in prevalence in parallel with rising rates of obesity worldwide. Obesity is recognized as a leading modifiable risk factor for the development of breast cancer; however, this association varies considerably by clinicopathologic features, and the underlying mechanisms are complex.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Pubmed literature search using combinations of "obesity," "breast cancer risk," "diet," "exercise," "weight gain," "weight loss," "adipose tissue inflammation," "crown-like structure," "immune markers," "metformin," "gliflozins," "SGLT-2i," "GLP1-RA," and related terms.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Elevated body mass index and weight gain are associated with increased risk of postmenopausal, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that adverse measures of body composition in individuals of any weight can also confer increased breast cancer risk. Mechanistically, various factors including altered adipokine balance, dysfunctional adipose tissue, dysregulated insulin signaling, and chronic inflammation contribute to tumorigenesis. Weight loss and more specifically fat mass loss through lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions improve serum metabolic and inflammatory markers, sex hormone levels, and measures of breast density, suggesting a link to decreased breast cancer risk.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating markers of metabolic health and body composition measures with body mass index can capture breast cancer risk more comprehensively. Further studies of interventions targeting body fat levels are needed to curb the growing prevalence of obesity-related cancer.

Anti-breast cancer effects of phytochemicals: primary, secondary, and tertiary care

Breast cancer incidence is actually the highest one among all cancers. Overall breast cancer management is associated with challenges considering risk assessment and predictive diagnostics, targeted prevention of metastatic disease, appropriate treatment options, and cost-effectiveness of approaches applied. Accumulated research evidence indicates promising anti-cancer effects of phytochemicals protecting cells against malignant transformation, inhibiting carcinogenesis and metastatic spread, supporting immune system and increasing effectiveness of conventional anti-cancer therapies, among others. Molecular and sub-/cellular mechanisms are highly complex affecting several pathways considered potent targets for advanced diagnostics and cost-effective treatments. Demonstrated anti-cancer affects, therefore, are clinically relevant for improving individual outcomes and might be applicable to the primary (protection against initial cancer development), secondary (protection against potential metastatic disease development), and tertiary (towards cascading complications) care. However, a detailed data analysis is essential to adapt treatment algorithms to individuals’ and patients’ needs. Consequently, advanced concepts of patient stratification, predictive diagnostics, targeted prevention, and treatments tailored to the individualized patient profile are instrumental for the cost-effective application of natural anti-cancer substances to improve overall breast cancer management benefiting affected individuals and the society at large.

Factors Influencing Mammographic Density in Asian Women: A Retrospective Cohort Study in the Northeast Region of Peninsular Malaysia

Mammographic density is a significant risk factor for breast cancer. In this study, we identified the risk factors of mammographic density in Asian women and quantified the impact of breast density on the severity of breast cancer. We collected data from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, a research- and university-based hospital located in Kelantan, Malaysia. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to analyse the data. Five significant factors were found to be associated with mammographic density: age (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.92, 0.96), number of children (OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.81, 0.96), body mass index (OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.92), menopause status (yes vs. no, OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.82), and BI-RADS classification (2 vs. 1, OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.84; 3 vs. 1, OR: 3.25; 95% CI: 1.86, 5.66; 4 vs. 1, OR: 3.75; 95% CI: 1.88, 7.46; 5 vs. 1, OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.21, 5.02; 6 vs. 1, OR: 2.50; 95% CI: 0.65, 9.56). Similarly, the average predicted probabilities were higher among BI-RADS 3 and 4 classified women. Understanding mammographic density and its influencing factors aids in accurately assessing and screening dense breast women.

OUP accepted manuscript

In screening for breast cancer (BC), mammographic breast density (MBD) is a powerful risk factor that increases breast carcinogenesis and synergistically reduces the sensitivity of mammography. It also reduces specificity of lesion identification, leading to recalls, additional testing, and delayed and later-stage diagnoses, which result in increased health care costs. These findings provide the foundation for dense breast notification laws and lead to the increase in patient and provider interest in MBD. However, unlike other risk factors for BC, MBD is dynamic through a woman’s lifetime and is modifiable. Although MBD is known to change as a result of factors such as reproductive history and hormonal status, few conclusions have been reached for lifestyle factors such as alcohol, diet, physical activity, smoking, body mass index (BMI), and some commonly used medications. Our review examines the emerging evidence for the association of modifiable factors on MBD and the influence of MBD on BC risk. There are clear associations between alcohol use and menopausal hormone therapy and increased MBD. Physical activity and the Mediterranean diet lower the risk of BC without significant effect on MBD. Although high BMI and smoking are known risk factors for BC, they have been found to decrease MBD. The influence of several other factors, including caffeine intake, nonhormonal medications, and vitamins, on MBD is unclear. We recommend counseling patients on these modifiable risk factors and using this knowledge to help with informed decision making for tailored BC prevention strategies.

The epidemiologic factors associated with breast density: A review

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.

DNA methylation-based biomarkers of aging were slowed down in a two-year diet and physical activity intervention trial: the DAMA study

Several biomarkers of healthy aging have been proposed in recent years, including the epigenetic clocks, based on DNA methylation (DNAm) measures, which are getting increasingly accurate in predicting the individual biological age. The recently developed "next-generation clock" DNAmGrimAge outperforms "first-generation clocks" in predicting longevity and the onset of many age-related pathological conditions and diseases. Additionally, the total number of stochastic epigenetic mutations (SEMs), also known as the epigenetic mutation load (EML), has been proposed as a complementary DNAm-based biomarker of healthy aging. A fundamental biological property of epigenetic, and in particular DNAm modifications, is the potential reversibility of the effect, raising questions about the possible slowdown of epigenetic aging by modifying one's lifestyle. Here, we investigated whether improved dietary habits and increased physical activity have favorable effects on aging biomarkers in healthy postmenopausal women. The study sample consists of 219 women from the "Diet, Physical Activity, and Mammography" (DAMA) study: a 24-month randomized factorial intervention trial with DNAm measured twice, at baseline and the end of the trial. Women who participated in the dietary intervention had a significant slowing of the DNAmGrimAge clock, whereas increasing physical activity led to a significant reduction of SEMs in crucial cancer-related pathways. Our study provides strong evidence of a causal association between lifestyle modification and slowing down of DNAm aging biomarkers. This randomized trial elucidates the causal relationship between lifestyle and healthy aging-related epigenetic mechanisms.

Quantitative Breast Density in Contrast-Enhanced Mammography

Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) demonstrates a potential role in personalized screening models, in particular for women at increased risk and women with dense breasts. In this study, volumetric breast density (VBD) measured in CEM images was compared with VBD obtained from digital mammography (DM) or tomosynthesis (DBT) images. A total of 150 women who underwent CEM between March 2019 and December 2020, having at least a DM/DBT study performed before/after CEM, were included. Low-energy CEM (LE-CEM) and DM/DBT images were processed with automatic software to obtain the VBD. VBDs from the paired datasets were compared by Wilcoxon tests. A multivariate regression model was applied to analyze the relationship between VBD differences and multiple independent variables certainly or potentially affecting VBD. Median VBD was comparable for LE-CEM and DM/DBT (12.73% vs. 12.39%), not evidencing any statistically significant difference (p = 0.5855). VBD differences between LE-CEM and DM were associated with significant differences of glandular volume, breast thickness, compression force and pressure, contact area, and nipple-to-posterior-edge distance, i.e., variables reflecting differences in breast positioning (coefficient of determination 0.6023; multiple correlation coefficient 0.7761). Volumetric breast density was obtained from low-energy contrast-enhanced spectral mammography and was not significantly different from volumetric breast density measured from standard mammograms.

The Relationship between Body Mass Index and Mammographic Density during a Premenopausal Weight Loss Intervention Study

We evaluated the association between short-term change in body mass index (BMI) and breast density during a 1 year weight-loss intervention (Manchester, UK). We included 65 premenopausal women (35-45 years, ≥7 kg adult weight gain, family history of breast cancer). BMI and breast density (semi-automated area-based, automated volume-based) were measured at baseline, 1 year, and 2 years after study entry (1 year post intervention). Cross-sectional (between-women) and short-term change (within-women) associations between BMI and breast density were measured using repeated-measures correlation coefficients and multivariable linear mixed models. BMI was positively correlated with dense volume between-women (r = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.17, 0.61), but less so within-women (r = 0.08, 95%CI: -0.16, 0.28). There was little association with dense area (between-women r = -0.12, 95%CI: -0.38, 0.16; within-women r = 0.01, 95%CI: -0.24, 0.25). BMI and breast fat were positively correlated (volume: between r = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.69, 0.84, within r = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.36, 0.75; area: between r = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.63, 0.82, within r = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.23, 0.63). Multivariable models reported similar associations. Exploratory analysis suggested associations between BMI gain from 20 years and density measures (standard deviation change per +5 kg/m² BMI: dense area: +0.61 (95%CI: 0.12, 1.09); fat volume: -0.31 (95%CI: -0.62, 0.00)). Short-term BMI change is likely to be positively associated with breast fat, but we found little association with dense tissue, although power was limited by small sample size.

Inflammatory marker changes in a 24-month dietary and physical activity randomised intervention trial in postmenopausal women

Chronic low-grade inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases including cancer. Physical activity (PA) and diet have been supposed to modulate inflammatory markers. We evaluated the effects of a 24-month dietary and/or PA intervention on plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, a secondary analysis in the DAMA factorial trial. The 234 study participants (healthy postmenopausal women with high breast density, 50-69 years, non smokers, no hormone therapy) were randomised to four arms: (1) isocaloric dietary intervention mainly based on plant-foods; (2) moderate-intensity PA intervention with at least 1 h/week of supervised strenuous activity; (3) both interventions; (4) general recommendations on healthy dietary and PA patterns. Interleukins (IL)-1α, -1β, -6, tumor necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein were measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Intention-to-treat-analyses were carried out using Tobit regression. Although all cytokines tended to increase over time, after 24 months women in the PA intervention (arms 2 + 3) showed lower levels of IL-1α (exp(β) = 0.66; p = 0.04) and IL-6 (exp(β) = 0.70; p = 0.01) in comparison with women in the control group (arms 1 + 4). No effects of the dietary intervention emerged. In healthy postmenopausal women with high breast density a moderate-intensity PA appears to slow the age-related increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Time Course and Determinants of Individual Motivation among Women Enrolled in a Diet and Physical Activity Primary Prevention Trial

We studied the determinants of motivation among post-menopausal women enrolled in a two-year diet and physical activity primary prevention randomized trial. Participants were requested to grade the importance attached to changing their lifestyle, their confidence about being able to implement the change, and their willingness to be involved in studies focusing on lifestyle. We used multi-adjusted regression to investigate the association between individual characteristics, study arm, and individual motivation at study entry and end. Participants (n = 234) were highly motivated both at entry and throughout the study. Women with pre-existing healthier eating habits and lifestyles (e.g., high consumption of fruit and vegetables, low red meat consumption, and physically active) were more motivated at entry and over the course of the study. Women assigned to any intervention arm were more motivated than those in the control arm. These findings may help enhance adherence to recommendations and improve effectiveness of community-based health promotion campaigns.

Effectiveness of diet and physical activity interventions amongst adults attending colorectal and breast cancer screening: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

To estimate the effectiveness of tailored physical activity and dietary interventions amongst adults attending colorectal and breast cancer screening.

Methods

Five literature databases were systematically searched to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of tailored physical activity and/or dietary interventions with follow-up support initiated through colorectal and breast cancer screening programmes. Outcomes included markers of body fatness, physical activity, and dietary intake. Mean differences (MDs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using random effects models.

Results

Five RCTs met the inclusion criteria encompassing a total of 722 participants. Diet and physical activity interventions led to statistically significant reductions in body mass (MD − 1.6 kg, 95% CI − 2.7 to − 0.39 kg; I² = 81%; low quality evidence), body mass index (MD − 0.78 kg/m², 95% CI − 1.1 to − 0.50 kg/m²; I² = 21%; moderate quality evidence), and waist circumference (MD − 2.9 cm, 95% CI − 3.8 to − 1.91; I² = 0%; moderate quality evidence), accompanied by an increase in physical activity (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.50; I² = 0%; low quality evidence) and fruit and vegetable intake (SMD 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.64; I² = 51%; low quality evidence).

Conclusion

There is low quality evidence that lifestyle interventions involving follow-up support lead to modest weight loss and increased physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake. Due to the modest intervention effects, low quality of evidence and small number of studies, further rigorously designed RCTs with long-term follow-up of modifiable risk factors and embedded cost–benefit analyses are warranted (PROSPERO ref: CRD42020179960).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s10552-020-01362-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Hormonal determinants of mammographic density and density change

Background

Mammographic density (MD) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. We examined how endogenous plasma hormones are associated with average MD area (cm²) and annual MD change (cm²/year).

Methods

This study within the prospective KARMA cohort included analyses of plasma hormones of 1040 women. Hormones from the progestogen (n = 3), androgen (n = 7), oestrogen (n = 2) and corticoid (n = 5) pathways were analysed by ultra-performance supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPSFC-MS/MS), as well as peptide hormones and proteins (n = 2). MD was measured as a dense area using the STRATUS method (mean over the left and right breasts) and mean annual MD change over time.

Results

Greater baseline mean MD was associated with overall higher concentrations of progesterone (average + 1.29 cm² per doubling of hormone concentration), 17OH-progesterone (+ 1.09 cm²), oesterone sulphate (+ 1.42 cm²), prolactin (+ 2.11 cm²) and SHBG (+ 4.18 cm²), and inversely associated with 11-deoxycortisol (− 1.33 cm²). The association between MD and progesterone was confined to the premenopausal women only. The overall annual MD change was − 0.8 cm². Hormones from the androgen pathway were statistically significantly associated with MD change. The annual MD change was − 0.96 cm² and − 1.16 cm² lesser, for women in the highest quartile concentrations of testosterone and free testosterone, respectively, compared to those with the lowest concentrations.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that, whereas hormones from the progestogen, oestrogen and corticoid pathways drive baseline MD, MD change over time is mainly driven by androgens. This study emphasises the complexity of risk factors for breast cancer and their mechanisms of action.