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Barnard ME, DuPré NC, Heine JJ, Fowler EE, Murthy DJ, Nelleke RL, Chan A, Warner ET, Tamimi RM. Reproductive risk factors for breast cancer and association with novel breast density measurements among Hispanic, Black, and White women. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 204:309-325. [PMID: 38095811 PMCID: PMC10948301 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07174-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There are differences in the distributions of breast cancer incidence and risk factors by race and ethnicity. Given the strong association between breast density and breast cancer, it is of interest describe racial and ethnic variation in the determinants of breast density. METHODS We characterized racial and ethnic variation in reproductive history and several measures of breast density for Hispanic (n = 286), non-Hispanic Black (n = 255), and non-Hispanic White (n = 1694) women imaged at a single hospital. We quantified associations between reproductive factors and percent volumetric density (PVD), dense volume (DV), non-dense volume (NDV), and a novel measure of pixel intensity variation (V) using multivariable-adjusted linear regression, and tested for statistical heterogeneity by race and ethnicity. RESULTS Reproductive factors most strongly associated with breast density were age at menarche, parity, and oral contraceptive use. Variation by race and ethnicity was most evident for the associations between reproductive factors and NDV (minimum p-heterogeneity:0.008) and V (minimum p-heterogeneity:0.004) and least evident for PVD (minimum p-heterogeneity:0.042) and DV (minimum p-heterogeneity:0.041). CONCLUSION Reproductive choices, particularly those related to childbearing and oral contraceptive use, may contribute to racial and ethnic variation in breast density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mollie E Barnard
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
- University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare Department of Population Health Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Natalie C DuPré
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - John J Heine
- Division of Population Sciences, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Erin E Fowler
- Division of Population Sciences, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Divya J Murthy
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca L Nelleke
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ariane Chan
- Volpara Health Technologies Ltd., Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Erica T Warner
- Clinical Translational Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rulla M Tamimi
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical, New York, NY, USA
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Behrens A, Fasching PA, Schwenke E, Gass P, Häberle L, Heindl F, Heusinger K, Lotz L, Lubrich H, Preuß C, Schneider MO, Schulz-Wendtland R, Stumpfe FM, Uder M, Wunderle M, Zahn AL, Hack CC, Beckmann MW, Emons J. Predicting mammographic density with linear ultrasound transducers. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:384. [PMID: 37770952 PMCID: PMC10537934 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01327-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High mammographic density (MD) is a risk factor for the development of breast cancer (BC). Changes in MD are influenced by multiple factors such as age, BMI, number of full-term pregnancies and lactating periods. To learn more about MD, it is important to establish non-radiation-based, alternative examination methods to mammography such as ultrasound assessments. METHODS We analyzed data from 168 patients who underwent standard-of-care mammography and performed additional ultrasound assessment of the breast using a high-frequency (12 MHz) linear probe of the VOLUSON® 730 Expert system (GE Medical Systems Kretztechnik GmbH & Co OHG, Austria). Gray level bins were calculated from ultrasound images to characterize mammographic density. Percentage mammographic density (PMD) was predicted by gray level bins using various regression models. RESULTS Gray level bins and PMD correlated to a certain extent. Spearman's ρ ranged from - 0.18 to 0.32. The random forest model turned out to be the most accurate prediction model (cross-validated R2, 0.255). Overall, ultrasound images from the VOLUSON® 730 Expert device in this study showed limited predictive power for PMD when correlated with the corresponding mammograms. CONCLUSIONS In our present work, no reliable prediction of PMD using ultrasound imaging could be observed. As previous studies showed a reasonable correlation, predictive power seems to be highly dependent on the device used. Identifying feasible non-radiation imaging methods of the breast and their predictive power remains an important topic and warrants further evaluation. Trial registration 325-19 B (Ethics Committee of the medical faculty at Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany).
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Behrens
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Peter A Fasching
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva Schwenke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paul Gass
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lothar Häberle
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Felix Heindl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Katharina Heusinger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Laura Lotz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hannah Lubrich
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Caroline Preuß
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael O Schneider
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Schulz-Wendtland
- Department of Radiology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Florian M Stumpfe
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Uder
- Department of Radiology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marius Wunderle
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna L Zahn
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carolin C Hack
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julius Emons
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, University Breast Center for Franconia, Comprehensive Cancer Center European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
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Lin J, Ye S, Ke H, Lin L, Wu X, Guo M, Jiao B, Chen C, Zhao L. Changes in the mammary gland during aging and its links with breast diseases. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023. [PMID: 37184281 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional capacity of organisms declines in the process of aging. In the case of breast tissue, abnormal mammary gland development can lead to dysfunction in milk secretion, a primary function, as well as the onset of various diseases, such as breast cancer. In the process of aging, the terminal duct lobular units (TDLUs) within the breast undergo gradual degeneration, while the proportion of adipose tissue in the breast continues to increase and hormonal levels in the breast change accordingly. Here, we review changes in morphology, internal structure, and cellular composition that occur in the mammary gland during aging. We also explore the emerging mechanisms of breast aging and the relationship between changes during aging and breast-related diseases, as well as potential interventions for delaying mammary gland aging and preventing breast disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqiang Lin
- Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Shihui Ye
- Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Hao Ke
- Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Liang Lin
- Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Xia Wu
- Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Mengfei Guo
- Huankui Academy, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Baowei Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- the Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Limin Zhao
- Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang 330031, China
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Bodewes F, van Asselt A, Dorrius M, Greuter M, de Bock G. Mammographic breast density and the risk of breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Breast 2022; 66:62-68. [PMID: 36183671 PMCID: PMC9530665 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mammographic density is a well-defined risk factor for breast cancer and having extremely dense breast tissue is associated with a one-to six-fold increased risk of breast cancer. However, it is questioned whether this increased risk estimate is applicable to current breast density classification methods. Therefore, the aim of this study was to further investigate and clarify the association between mammographic density and breast cancer risk based on current literature. METHODS Medline, Embase and Web of Science were systematically searched for articles published since 2013, that used BI-RADS lexicon 5th edition and incorporated data on digital mammography. Crude and maximally confounder-adjusted data were pooled in odds ratios (ORs) using random-effects models. Heterogeneity regarding breast cancer risks were investigated using I2 statistic, stratified and sensitivity analyses. RESULTS Nine observational studies were included. Having extremely dense breast tissue (BI-RADS density D) resulted in a 2.11-fold (95% CI 1.84-2.42) increased breast cancer risk compared to having scattered dense breast tissue (BI-RADS density B). Sensitivity analysis showed that when only using data that had adjusted for age and BMI, the breast cancer risk was 1.83-fold (95% CI 1.52-2.21) increased. Both results were statistically significant and homogenous. CONCLUSIONS Mammographic breast density BI-RADS D is associated with an approximately two-fold increased risk of breast cancer compared to having BI-RADS density B in general population women. This is a novel and lower risk estimate compared to previously reported and might be explained due to the use of digital mammography and BI-RADS lexicon 5th edition.
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Affiliation(s)
- F.T.H. Bodewes
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, HPC: FA40, PO Box 30.001, Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - A.A. van Asselt
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, HPC: FA40, PO Box 30.001, Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - M.D. Dorrius
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - M.J.W. Greuter
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - G.H. de Bock
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, HPC: FA40, PO Box 30.001, Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands,Corresponding author.
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5
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Biological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities in Mammographic Density and Breast Cancer Risk. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215391. [PMID: 34771552 PMCID: PMC8582527 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammographic density is an important risk factor for breast cancer; women with extremely dense breasts have a four to six fold increased risk of breast cancer compared to women with mostly fatty breasts, when matched with age and body mass index. High mammographic density is characterised by high proportions of stroma, containing fibroblasts, collagen and immune cells that suggest a pro-tumour inflammatory microenvironment. However, the biological mechanisms that drive increased mammographic density and the associated increased risk of breast cancer are not yet understood. Inflammatory factors such as monocyte chemotactic protein 1, peroxidase enzymes, transforming growth factor beta, and tumour necrosis factor alpha have been implicated in breast development as well as breast cancer risk, and also influence functions of stromal fibroblasts. Here, the current knowledge and understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms that lead to high mammographic density and the associated increased risk of breast cancer are reviewed, with particular consideration to potential immune factors that may contribute to this process.
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Hormone replacement therapy and mammographic density: a systematic literature review. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 182:555-579. [PMID: 32572713 PMCID: PMC7320951 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-05744-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to reduce climacteric symptoms of menopause and prevent osteoporosis; however, it increases risk of breast cancer. Mammographic density (MD) is also a strong risk factor for breast cancer. We conducted this review to investigate the association between HRT use and MD and to assess the effect of different HRT regimens on MD. METHODS Two of authors examined articles published between 2002 and 2019 from PubMed, Embase, and OVID using Covidence systematic review platform. Any disagreements were discussed until consensus was reached. The protocol used in this review was created in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Quality of each eligible study was assessed using the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) hierarchy. RESULTS Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies showed that using estrogen plus progestin (E + P) HRT was associated with higher MD than estrogen alone. Four studies reported that continuous estrogen plus progestin (CEP) users had higher MD than sequential estrogen plus progestin (SEP) and estrogen alone users. However, two studies showed that SEP users had slightly higher MD than CEP users and estrogen alone users. CONCLUSIONS Epidemiological evidence is rather consistent suggesting that there is a positive association between HRT use and MD with the highest increase in MD among current users, and CEP users. Our results suggest that due to increase in MD and masking effect, current E + P users may require additional screening procedures, shorter screening intervals, or using advanced imaging techniques.
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Exploring the Role of Breast Density on Cancer Prognosis among Women Attending Population-Based Screening Programmes. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2019; 2019:1781762. [PMID: 31885567 PMCID: PMC6900953 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1781762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Our aim was to assess the role of breast density on breast cancer mortality and recurrences, considering patient and tumour characteristics and the treatments received among women attending population-based screening programmes. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study among women aged 50-69 years attending population-based screening programmes, diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2000 and 2009, and followed up to 2014. Breast density was categorised as low density (≤25% dense tissue), intermediate density (25-50%), and high density (≥50%). Cox proportional hazards regression models were fitted to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for death and recurrences, adjusting by patient characteristics, mode of detection (screen-detected vs. interval cancer), and tumour features. Results The percentage of deaths and recurrences was higher among women with intermediate- and high-density breasts than among women with low-density breasts (p=0.011 for death; p=0.037 for recurrences). Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models revealed that women with intermediate- and high-density breasts had a higher risk of death than women with low-density breasts, being statistically significant for intermediate densities (aHR = 2.19 [95% CI: 1.16-4.13], aHR = 1.44 [95% CI: 0.67-3.1], respectively). No association was found between breast density and recurrences. Conclusions Breast density was associated with a higher risk of death, but not of recurrences, among women participating in breast cancer screening. These findings reinforce the need to improve screening sensitivity among women with dense breasts and to routinely assess breast density, not only for its role as a risk factor for breast cancer but also for its potential influence on cancer prognosis.
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Wengert GJ, Helbich TH, Leithner D, Morris EA, Baltzer PAT, Pinker K. Multimodality Imaging of Breast Parenchymal Density and Correlation with Risk Assessment. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2019; 11:23-33. [PMID: 35496471 PMCID: PMC9044508 DOI: 10.1007/s12609-019-0302-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Breast density, or the amount of fibroglandular tissue in the breast, has become a recognized and independent marker for breast cancer risk. Public awareness of breast density as a possible risk factor for breast cancer has resulted in legislation for risk stratification purposes in many US states. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the currently available imaging modalities for qualitative and quantitative breast density assessment and the current evidence on breast density and breast cancer risk assessment. Recent Findings To date, breast density assessment is mainly performed with mammography and to some extent with magnetic resonance imaging. Data indicate that computerized, quantitative techniques in comparison with subjective visual estimations are characterized by higher reproducibility and robustness. Summary Breast density reduces the sensitivity of mammography due to a masking effect and is also a recognized independent risk factor for breast cancer. Standardized breast density assessment using automated volumetric quantitative methods has the potential to be used for risk prediction and stratification and in determining the best screening plan for each woman.
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Wengert GJ, Helbich TH, Kapetas P, Baltzer PA, Pinker K. Density and tailored breast cancer screening: practice and prediction - an overview. Acta Radiol Open 2018; 7:2058460118791212. [PMID: 30245850 PMCID: PMC6144518 DOI: 10.1177/2058460118791212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammography, as the primary screening modality, has facilitated a substantial
decrease in breast cancer-related mortality in the general population. However,
the sensitivity of mammography for breast cancer detection is decreased in women
with higher breast densities, which is an independent risk factor for breast
cancer. With increasing public awareness of the implications of a high breast
density, there is an increasing demand for supplemental screening in these
patients. Yet, improvements in breast cancer detection with supplemental
screening methods come at the expense of increased false-positives, recall
rates, patient anxiety, and costs. Therefore, breast cancer screening practice
must change from a general one-size-fits-all approach to a more personalized,
risk-based one that is tailored to the individual woman’s risk, personal
beliefs, and preferences, while accounting for cost, potential harm, and
benefits. This overview will provide an overview of the available breast density assessment
modalities, the current breast density screening recommendations for women at
average risk of breast cancer, and supplemental methods for breast cancer
screening. In addition, we will provide a look at the possibilities for a
risk-adapted breast cancer screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg J Wengert
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas H Helbich
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Panagiotis Kapetas
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pascal At Baltzer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katja Pinker
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Oskar S, Engmann NJ, Azus AR, Tehranifar P. Gestational diabetes, type II diabetes, and mammographic breast density in a U.S. racially diverse population screened for breast cancer. Cancer Causes Control 2018; 29:731-736. [PMID: 29948515 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-018-1048-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has consistently been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, but the association of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with breast cancer is less clear. T2DM and GDM may influence breast cancer risk through mammographic breast density, a strong risk factor for breast cancer. We examined whether T2DM and GDM are associated with higher mammographic breast density in a largely racial/ethnic minority sample. METHODS We collected digital mammograms, anthropometric measures, and interview data from 511 racially diverse women recruited during screening mammography appointments between 2012 and 2016 (mean age 51 years; 70% Hispanic). We examined the associations of self-reported GDM, T2DM, and medication use (metformin and insulin) with mammographic breast density, measured as percent and area of dense tissue using Cumulus software. RESULTS In multivariable linear regression models, history of T2DM and/or GDM and length of time since diagnosis were not associated with percent density or dense breast area, either before or after adjustment for current BMI. Use of metformin in diabetic women was associated with lower percent density (β = - 5.73, 95% CI - 10.27, - 1.19), only before adjusting for BMI. These associations were not modified by menopausal status. CONCLUSIONS Our results do not support associations between T2DM and/or GDM and higher amount of mammographically dense breast tissue, suggesting that the mechanism linking diabetes with breast cancer risk may not include mammographic breast density in midlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Oskar
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Natalie J Engmann
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aisia R Azus
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Parisa Tehranifar
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Tehranifar P, Rodriguez CB, April-Sanders AK, Desperito E, Schmitt KM. Migration History, Language Acculturation, and Mammographic Breast Density. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018; 27:566-574. [PMID: 29475965 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-17-0885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer incidence is lower in many U.S. ethnic minority and foreign-born population groups. Investigating whether migration and acculturation patterns in risk are reflected in disease biomarkers may help to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.Methods: We compared the distribution of breast cancer risk factors across U.S.-born white, African American and Hispanic women, and foreign-born Hispanic women (n = 477, ages 40-64 years, 287 born in Caribbean countries). We used linear regression models to examine the associations of migration history and linguistic acculturation with mammographic breast density (MBD), measured using computer-assisted methods as percent and area of dense breast tissue.Results: The distribution of most breast cancer risk factors varied by ethnicity, nativity, and age at migration. In age- and body mass index-adjusted models, U.S.-born women did not differ in average MBD according to ethnicity, but foreign-born Hispanic women had lower MBD [e.g., -4.50%; 95% confidence interval (CI), -7.12 to -1.89 lower percent density in foreign- vs. U.S.-born Hispanic women]. Lower linguistic acculturation and lower percent of life spent in the United States were also associated with lower MBD [e.g., monolingual Spanish and bilingual vs. monolingual English speakers, respectively, had 5.09% (95% CI, -8.33 to -1.85) and 3.34% (95% CI, -6.57 to -0.12) lower percent density]. Adjusting for risk factors (e.g., childhood body size, parity) attenuated some of these associations.Conclusions: Hispanic women predominantly born in Caribbean countries have lower MBD than U.S.-born women of diverse ethnic backgrounds, including U.S.-born Hispanic women of Caribbean heritage.Impact: MBD may provide insight into mechanisms driving geographic and migration variations in breast cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(5); 566-74. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Tehranifar
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York. .,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Carmen B Rodriguez
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Ayana K April-Sanders
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Elise Desperito
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Karen M Schmitt
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.,Division of Academics, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, New York.,Avon Foundation Breast Imaging Center-New York Presbyterian, New York, New York
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12
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of some forms of hormone therapy (HT) is associated with an increase in mammographic density-a major risk factor for breast cancer. The role of isoflavones, however, is unclear. Here, we quantify the prevalence of HT and isoflavone use among postmenopausal Spanish women, determine associated risk factors, and explore the relationship between these therapies and mammographic density. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 2,754 postmenopausal women who underwent breast cancer screening in seven geographical areas. Mammographic density was evaluated using Boyd's semiquantitative scale. Multinomial logistic regression models were adjusted to assess risk factors associated with both therapies. Ordinal regression models were fitted to study the association between HT and isoflavone consumption with mammographic density. RESULTS The prevalence of ever-use of HT was 12%, whereas that of the current use was 2.3%. Isoflavone lifetime prevalence was 3.7%, and current use was 1.7%. The most common HT types were tibolone and estrogens. Surgical menopause, oral contraceptive use, educational level, population density, and years since menopause were positively associated with HT, whereas body mass index and parity were inversely associated. Mammographic density was not associated with current or past HT use. However, women who reported having consumed isoflavones in the past and those who started their use after menopause had a higher mammographic density when compared with never-users (odds ratio 1.98, 95% CI 1.21-3.25, P = 0.007; and odds ratio 1.60, 95% CI 1.01-2.53, P = 0.045 respectively). CONCLUSIONS Our results show a low prevalence of HT and isoflavone use in postmenopausal Spanish women. In this population, HT use was not associated with mammographic density, whereas some categories of isoflavone users had higher density.
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13
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Stute P, Wildt L, Neulen J. The impact of micronized progesterone on breast cancer risk: a systematic review. Climacteric 2018; 21:111-122. [PMID: 29384406 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2017.1421925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Postmenopausal women with an intact uterus using estrogen therapy should receive a progestogen for endometrial protection. The debate on bioidentical hormones including micronized progesterone has increased in recent years. Based on a systematic literature review on the impact of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) containing micronized progesterone on the mammary gland, an international expert panel's recommendations are as follows: (1) estrogens combined with oral (approved) or vaginal (off-label use) micronized progesterone do not increase breast cancer risk for up to 5 years of treatment duration; (2) there is limited evidence that estrogens combined with oral micronized progesterone applied for more than 5 years are associated with an increased breast cancer risk; and (3) counseling on combined MHT should cover breast cancer risk - regardless of the progestogen chosen. Yet, women should also be counseled on other modifiable and non-modifiable breast cancer risk factors in order to balance the impact of combined MHT on the breast.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Stute
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland
| | - L Wildt
- b Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine , Medical University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - J Neulen
- c Clinic for Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine , RWTH University of Aachen , Aachen , Germany
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14
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Ironside AJ, Jones JL. Stromal characteristics may hold the key to mammographic density: the evidence to date. Oncotarget 2017; 7:31550-62. [PMID: 26784251 PMCID: PMC5058777 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is strong epidemiological data indicating a role for increased mammographic density (MD) in predisposing to breast cancer, however, the biological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are less well understood. Recently, studies of human breast tissues have started to characterise the features of mammographically dense breasts, and a number of in-vitro and in-vivo studies have explored the potential mechanisms through which dense breast tissue may exert this tumourigenic risk. This article aims to review both the pathological and biological evidence implicating a key role for the breast stromal compartment in MD, how this may be modified and the clinical significance of these findings. The epidemiological context will be briefly discussed but will not be covered in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair J Ironside
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - J Louise Jones
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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15
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Hack CC, Emons J, Jud SM, Heusinger K, Adler W, Gass P, Haeberle L, Heindl F, Hein A, Schulz-Wendtland R, Uder M, Hartmann A, Beckmann MW, Fasching PA, Pöhls UG. Association between mammographic density and pregnancies relative to age and BMI: a breast cancer case-only analysis. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017; 166:701-708. [PMID: 28828694 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-017-4446-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Percentage mammographic density (PMD) is a major risk factor for breast cancer (BC). It is strongly associated with body mass index (BMI) and age, which are themselves risk factors for breast cancer. This analysis investigated the association between the number of full-term pregnancies and PMD in different subgroups relative to age and BMI. METHODS Patients were identified in the breast cancer database of the University Breast Center for Franconia. A total of 2410 patients were identified, for whom information on parity, age, and BMI, and a mammogram from the time of first diagnosis were available for assessing PMD. Linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the influence on PMD of the number of full-term pregnancies (FTPs), age, BMI, and interaction terms between them. RESULTS As in previous studies, age, number of FTPs, and BMI were found to be associated with PMD in the expected direction. However, including the respective interaction terms improved the prediction of PMD even further. Specifically, the association between PMD and the number of FTPs differed in young patients under the age of 45 (mean decrease of 0.37 PMD units per pregnancy) from the association in older age groups (mean decrease between 2.29 and 2.39 PMD units). BMI did not alter the association between PMD and the number of FTPs. CONCLUSIONS The effect of pregnancies on mammographic density does not appear to become apparent before the age of menopause. The mechanism that drives the effect of pregnancies on mammographic density appears to be counter-regulated by other influences on mammographic density in younger patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin C Hack
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen/European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julius Emons
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen/European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian M Jud
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen/European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Katharina Heusinger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen/European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Werner Adler
- Institute of Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paul Gass
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen/European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lothar Haeberle
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen/European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Felix Heindl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen/European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander Hein
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen/European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Michael Uder
- Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen/European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen/European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter A Fasching
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen/European Metropolitan Area Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsstrasse 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Uwe G Pöhls
- Practice of Dr. Pöhls, Women's Health Center of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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16
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Quantitative analysis for breast density estimation in low dose chest CT scans. J Med Syst 2014; 38:21. [PMID: 24643751 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-014-0021-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A computational method was developed for the measurement of breast density using chest computed tomography (CT) images and the correlation between that and mammographic density. Sixty-nine asymptomatic Asian women (138 breasts) were studied. With the marked lung area and pectoralis muscle line in a template slice, demons algorithm was applied to the consecutive CT slices for automatically generating the defined breast area. The breast area was then analyzed using fuzzy c-mean clustering to separate fibroglandular tissue from fat tissues. The fibroglandular clusters obtained from all CT slices were summed then divided by the summation of the total breast area to calculate the percent density for CT. The results were compared with the density estimated from mammographic images. For CT breast density, the coefficient of variations of intraoperator and interoperator measurement were 3.00 % (0.59 %-8.52 %) and 3.09 % (0.20 %-6.98 %), respectively. Breast density measured from CT (22 ± 0.6 %) was lower than that of mammography (34 ± 1.9 %) with Pearson correlation coefficient of r=0.88. The results suggested that breast density measured from chest CT images correlated well with that from mammography. Reproducible 3D information on breast density can be obtained with the proposed CT-based quantification methods.
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Huo CW, Chew GL, Britt KL, Ingman WV, Henderson MA, Hopper JL, Thompson EW. Mammographic density-a review on the current understanding of its association with breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2014; 144:479-502. [PMID: 24615497 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-014-2901-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
There has been considerable recent interest in the genetic, biological and epidemiological basis of mammographic density (MD), and the search for causative links between MD and breast cancer (BC) risk. This report will critically review the current literature on MD and summarize the current evidence for its association with BC. Keywords 'mammographic dens*', 'dense mammary tissue' or 'percent dens*' were used to search the existing literature in English on PubMed and Medline. All reports were critically analyzed. The data were assigned to one of the following aspects of MD: general association with BC, its relationship with the breast hormonal milieu, the cellular basis of MD, the generic variations of MD, and its significance in the clinical setting. MD adjusted for age, and BMI is associated with increased risk of BC diagnosis, advanced tumour stage at diagnosis and increased risk of both local recurrence and second primary cancers. The MD measures that predict BC risk have high heritability, and to date several genetic markers associated with BC risk have been found to also be associated with these MD risk predictors. Change in MD could be a predictor of the extent of chemoprevention with tamoxifen. Although the biological and genetic pathways that determine and perhaps modulate MD remain largely unresolved, significant inroads are being made into the understanding of MD, which may lead to benefits in clinical screening, assessment and treatment strategies. This review provides a timely update on the current understanding of MD's association with BC risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Huo
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia,
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García-Arenzana N, Navarrete-Muñoz EM, Lope V, Moreo P, Vidal C, Laso-Pablos S, Ascunce N, Casanova-Gómez F, Sánchez-Contador C, Santamariña C, Aragonés N, Pérez Gómez B, Vioque J, Pollán M. Calorie intake, olive oil consumption and mammographic density among Spanish women. Int J Cancer 2013; 134:1916-25. [PMID: 24254818 PMCID: PMC4166692 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
High mammographic density (MD) is one of the main risk factors for development of breast cancer. To date, however, relatively few studies have evaluated the association between MD and diet. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the association between MD (measured using Boyd's semiquantitative scale with five categories: <10%, 10–25%, 25–50%, 50–75% and >75%) and diet (measured using a food frequency questionnaire validated in a Spanish population) among 3,548 peri- and postmenopausal women drawn from seven breast cancer screening programs in Spain. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression models, adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), energy intake and protein consumption as well as other confounders, showed an association between greater calorie intake and greater MD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10-1.38, for every increase of 500 cal/day], yet high consumption of olive oil was nevertheless found to reduce the prevalence of high MD (OR = 0.86;95% CI = 0.76-0.96, for every increase of 22 g/day in olive oil consumption); and, while greater intake of whole milk was likewise associated with higher MD (OR = 1.10; 95%CI 1.00-1.20, for every increase of 200 g/day), higher consumption of protein (OR = 0.89; 95% CI 0.80-1.00, for every increase of 30 g/day) and white meat (p for trend 0.041) was found to be inversely associated with MD. Our study, the largest to date to assess the association between diet and MD, suggests that MD is associated with modifiable dietary factors, such as calorie intake and olive oil consumption. These foods could thus modulate the prevalence of high MD, and important risk marker for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás García-Arenzana
- National Center for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Preventive Medicine Unit. Hospital Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
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Chew GL, Huang D, Huo CW, Blick T, Hill P, Cawson J, Frazer H, Southey MD, Hopper JL, Henderson MA, Haviv I, Thompson EW. Dynamic changes in high and low mammographic density human breast tissues maintained in murine tissue engineering chambers during various murine peripartum states and over time. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2013; 140:285-97. [DOI: 10.1007/s10549-013-2642-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Pollán M, Ascunce N, Ederra M, Murillo A, Erdozáin N, Alés-Martínez JE, Pastor-Barriuso R. Mammographic density and risk of breast cancer according to tumor characteristics and mode of detection: a Spanish population-based case-control study. Breast Cancer Res 2013; 15:R9. [PMID: 23360535 PMCID: PMC3672793 DOI: 10.1186/bcr3380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is not clear whether high mammographic density (MD) is equally associated with all subtypes of breast cancer (BC). We investigated the association between MD and subsequent BC, considering invasiveness, means of detection, pathologic subtype, and the time elapsed since mammographic exploration and BC diagnosis. METHODS BC cases occurring in the population of women who attended screening from 1997 through 2004 in Navarre, a Spanish region with a fully consolidated screening program, were identified via record linkage with the Navarre Cancer Registry (n = 1,172). Information was extracted from the records of their first attendance at screening in that period. For each case, we randomly selected four controls, matched by screening round, year of birth, and place of residence. Cases were classified according to invasiveness (ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) versus invasive tumors), pathologic subtype (considering hormonal receptors and HER2), and type of diagnosis (screen-detected versus interval cases). MD was evaluated by a single, experienced radiologist by using a semiquantitative scale. Data on BC risk factors were obtained by the screening program in the corresponding round. The association between MD and tumor subtype was assessed by using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS MD was clearly associated with subsequent BC. The odds ratio (OR) for the highest MD category (MD >75%) compared with the reference category (MD <10%) was similar for DCIS (OR = 3.47; 95% CI = 1.46 to 8.27) and invasive tumors (OR = 2.95; 95% CI = 2.01 to 4.35). The excess risk was particularly high for interval cases (OR = 7.72; 95% CI = 4.02 to 14.81) in comparison with screened detected tumors (OR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.40 to 3.36). Sensitivity analyses excluding interval cases diagnosed in the first year after MD assessment or immediately after an early recall to screening yielded similar results. No differences were seen regarding pathologic subtypes. The excess risk associated with MD persisted for at least 7 to 8 years after mammographic exploration. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm that MD is an important risk factor for all types of breast cancer. High breast density strongly increases the risk of developing an interval tumor, and this excess risk is not completely explained by a possible masking effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Pollán
- National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, Madrid, 28029 Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Nieves Ascunce
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Navarre Breast cancer Screening Program, Navarre Institute of Public Health, Leyre 15, Pamplona, 31003, Spain
| | - María Ederra
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Navarre Breast cancer Screening Program, Navarre Institute of Public Health, Leyre 15, Pamplona, 31003, Spain
| | - Alberto Murillo
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Navarre Breast cancer Screening Program, Navarre Institute of Public Health, Leyre 15, Pamplona, 31003, Spain
| | - Nieves Erdozáin
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Navarre Breast cancer Screening Program, Navarre Institute of Public Health, Leyre 15, Pamplona, 31003, Spain
| | - Jose Enrique Alés-Martínez
- Medical Oncology Unit, Nuestra Señora de Sonsoles Hospital, Avenida Juan Carlos I s/n, Avila, 05004, Spain
| | - Roberto Pastor-Barriuso
- National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, Madrid, 28029 Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
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Razzaghi H, Troester MA, Gierach GL, Olshan AF, Yankaskas BC, Millikan RC. Mammographic density and breast cancer risk in White and African American Women. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2012; 135:571-80. [PMID: 22864770 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-012-2185-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Mammographic density is a strong risk factor for breast cancer, but limited data are available in African American (AA) women. We examined the association between mammographic density and breast cancer risk in AA and white women. Cases (n = 491) and controls (n = 528) were from the Carolina Breast Cancer Study (CBCS) who also had mammograms recorded in the Carolina Mammography Registry (CMR). Mammographic density was reported to CMR using Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories. Increasing mammographic density was associated with increased breast cancer risk among all women. After adjusting for potential confounders, a monotonically increasing risk of breast cancer was observed between the highest versus the lowest BI-RADS density categories [OR = 2.45, (95 % confidence interval: 0.99, 6.09)]. The association was stronger in whites, with ~40 % higher risk among those with extremely dense breasts compared to those with scattered fibroglandular densities [1.39, (0.75, 2.55)]. In AA women, the same comparison suggested lower risk [0.75, (0.30, 1.91)]. Because age, obesity, and exogenous hormones have strong associations with breast cancer risk, mammographic density, and race in the CBCS, effect measure modification by these factors was considered. Consistent with previous literature, density-associated risk was greatest among those with BMI > 30 and current hormone users (P value = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). In the CBCS, mammographic density is associated with increased breast cancer risk, with some suggestion of effect measure modification by race, although results were not statistically significant. However, exposures such as BMI and hormone therapy may be important modifiers of this association and merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Razzaghi
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings Global School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, 2104 McGavran-Greenberg, 135 Dauer Drive, Campus Box 7435, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435, USA.
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22
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Couto E, Qureshi SA, Hofvind S, Hilsen M, Aase H, Skaane P, Vatten L, Ursin G. Hormone therapy use and mammographic density in postmenopausal Norwegian women. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2011; 132:297-305. [DOI: 10.1007/s10549-011-1810-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Kerlikowske K, Cook AJ, Buist DSM, Cummings SR, Vachon C, Vacek P, Miglioretti DL. Breast cancer risk by breast density, menopause, and postmenopausal hormone therapy use. J Clin Oncol 2010; 28:3830-7. [PMID: 20644098 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.26.4770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We determined whether the association between breast density and breast cancer risk and cancer severity differs according to menopausal status and postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) use. METHODS We collected data on 587,369 women who underwent 1,349,027 screening mammography examinations; 14,090 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. We calculated 5-year breast cancer risk from a survival model for subgroups of women classified by their Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) breast density, age, menopausal status, and current HT use, assuming a body mass index of 25 kg/m(2). Odds of advanced (ie, IIb, III, IV) versus early (ie, I, IIa) stage invasive cancer was calculated according to BIRADS density. RESULTS Breast cancer risk was low among women with low density (BIRADS-1): women age 55 to 59 years, 5-year risk was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.6 to 0.9%) for non-HT users and 0.9% (95% CI, 0.7% to 1.1%) for estrogen and estrogen plus progestin users. Breast cancer risk was high among women with very high density (BIRADS-4), particularly estrogen plus progestin users: women age 55 to 59 years, 5-year risk was 2.4% (95% CI, 2.0% to 2.8%) for non-HT users, 3.0% (95% CI, 2.6% to 3.5%) for estrogen users, and 4.2% (95% CI, 3.7% to 4.6%) for estrogen plus progestin users. Advanced-stage breast cancer risk was increased 1.7-fold for postmenopausal HT users who had very high density (BIRADS-4) compared to those with average density (BIRADS-2). CONCLUSION Postmenopausal women with high breast density are at increased risk of breast cancer and should be aware of the added risk of taking HT, especially estrogen plus progestin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Kerlikowske
- General Internal Medicine Section, University of California, San Francisco Coordinating Center, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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McCready J, Arendt LM, Rudnick JA, Kuperwasser C. The contribution of dynamic stromal remodeling during mammary development to breast carcinogenesis. Breast Cancer Res 2010; 12:205. [PMID: 20584344 PMCID: PMC2917019 DOI: 10.1186/bcr2578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease whose prognosis varies depending upon the developmental stage of the breast tissue at diagnosis. Notably, breast cancers associated with pregnancy exhibit increased rates of metastasis and poorer long-term survival compared to those diagnosed after menopause. However, postmenopausal breast cancers associated with obesity exhibit a more aggressive behavior and confer decreased overall patient survival compared to those diagnosed in non-obese individuals. Since the mammary gland is a dynamic tissue that undergoes significant changes throughout a woman's lifetime, especially during pregnancy and following menopause, we present evidence to support the notion that changes occurring throughout development within the mammary stromal compartment may account for some of the biological differences in breast cancer subtypes and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica McCready
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Sackler School, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, USA.
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25
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Taverne CW, Verheus M, McKay JD, Kaaks R, Canzian F, Grobbee DE, Peeters PHM, van Gils CH. Common genetic variation of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), IGFBP-3, and acid labile subunit in relation to serum IGF-I levels and mammographic density. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2010; 123:843-55. [PMID: 20155489 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-010-0778-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2009] [Accepted: 01/28/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammographic density is strongly related to increased breast cancer risk. Accumulating evidence indicates that a role for the IGF-pathway in mammographic density and breast cancer development. Here, we investigate whether common genetic variation in this pathway influences insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels and mammographic density. In 1,916 premenopausal women within the Prospect-EPIC cohort, we examined associations of 14 haplotype tagging SNPs in the ALS, IGFBP1, and IGFBP3 genes with IGF-I circulating levels and mammographic density. In 657 women, who became postmenopausal during follow-up, we investigated how these SNPs were related with the decrease in density over menopause. Linear regression models were used for statistical analysis. None of the ALS or IGFBP3 SNPs were statistically significantly associated with IGF-I levels or mammographic density. The CC genotype for rs1908751 (IGFBP1) was associated with lower levels of IGF-I (110.9 ng/ml) compared to the CT/TT genotypes (115.7 ng/ml) (P = 0.04). Women with the CC genotype also had lower percent density, although not statistically significantly (P = 0.12). Women carrying the AA genotype for rs1995051 (IGFBP1) showed that borderline significantly lower IGF-I levels (P = 0.06) and significantly lower mammographic density (40.3% compared to 43.5% in the GG/GA genotypes; P = 0.05). No relationships were found for any of the SNPs in relation with changes in breast density over menopause. These findings suggest that common genetic variation in the IGFBP1 gene is weakly related to IGF-I levels and mammographic density. Our results do not provide support for such a role of genetic variants in the IGFBP3 and ALS genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia W Taverne
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Room Str 6.131, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3508, GA, The Netherlands
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26
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Beulens JWJ, Monninkhof EM, Verschuren WMM, van der Schouw YT, Smit J, Ocke MC, Jansen EHJM, van Dieren S, Grobbee DE, Peeters PHM, Bueno-de-Mesquita HB. Cohort Profile: The EPIC-NL study. Int J Epidemiol 2009; 39:1170-8. [PMID: 19483199 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyp217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joline W J Beulens
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Becker S, Kaaks R. Exogenous and endogenous hormones, mammographic density and breast cancer risk: can mammographic density be considered an intermediate marker of risk? Recent Results Cancer Res 2008; 181:135-57. [PMID: 19213565 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-69297-3_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Elevated mammographic density measures are a well-established, relatively strong risk factor for breast cancer development. A systematic review of prospective cohort studies and cross-sectional studies strikingly establishes parallels between the associations of combined postmenopausal estrogen and progestin replacement therapy with, on the one hand, mammographic densities and, on the other hand, breast cancer risk. Other parallel observations were the inverse associations of both mammographic density and breast cancer risk with the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen, and direct associations with prolactin. Paradoxically, however, high mammographic density has been found associated with higher risks of both estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive (ER+/ PR+) and negative (ER-/PR-) breast cancers, while hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use, but also circulating (blood) levels of androgens, estrogens, and prolactin appear to be associated more specifically to the risk of ER+ tumors. The effects of aromatase inhibitors and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists on breast density, as well as on breast cancer risk, still require further investigation. Regarding circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I or IGFBP-3, studies did not show fully consistent relationships with mammographic density measures and breast cancer risk. In view of these various findings, it is impossible, at present, to propose mammographic density measures as an intermediate risk-related phenotype, integrating the effects of exogenous and/or endogenous hormones on the risk of developing breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susen Becker
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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28
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Dilhuydy MH. [Assessment of the dense breast within the French screening program: the role of ultrasonography]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 89:1180-6. [PMID: 18772802 DOI: 10.1016/s0221-0363(08)73928-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mammographic density is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. It also reduces the reliability of screening mammography. Among the population targeted by the French screening program, about 28% have dense breasts and 3% have very dense breasts. Breast density varies with age, HRT and mammographic technique. Ultrasonography for dense but otherwise clinically and mammographically normal breasts allows detection of cancers not visible on mammograms. The French program protocol allows the evaluation of results from breast US in this context with regards to the number of detected cancers and false positive rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Dilhuydy
- Institut Bergonié, 229 cours de l'Argonne, 33076 Bordeaux cedex, France.
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29
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Estrogen and progestogen use in postmenopausal women: July 2008 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 2008; 15:584-602. [PMID: 18580541 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31817b076a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE : To update for both clinicians and the lay public the evidence-based position statement published by The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) in March 2007 regarding its recommendations for menopausal hormone therapy (HT) for postmenopausal women, with consideration for the therapeutic benefit-risk ratio at various times through menopause and beyond. DESIGN : An Advisory Panel of clinicians and researchers expert in the field of women's health was enlisted to review the March 2007 NAMS position statement, evaluate new evidence through an evidence-based analysis, and reach consensus on recommendations. The Panel's recommendations were reviewed and approved by the NAMS Board of Trustees as an official NAMS position statement. The document was provided to other interested organizations to seek their endorsement. RESULTS : Current evidence supports a consensus regarding the role of HT in postmenopausal women, when potential therapeutic benefits and risks around the time of menopause are considered. This paper lists all these areas along with explanatory comments. Conclusions that vary from the 2007 position statement are highlighted. Addenda include a discussion of risk concepts, a new component not included in the 2007 paper, and a recommended list of areas for future HT research. A suggested reading list of key references is also provided. CONCLUSIONS : Recent data support the initiation of HT around the time of menopause to treat menopause-related symptoms; to treat or reduce the risk of certain disorders, such as osteoporosis or fractures in select postmenopausal women; or both. The benefit-risk ratio for menopausal HT is favorable close to menopause but decreases with aging and with time since menopause in previously untreated women.
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Prentice RL, Chlebowski RT, Stefanick ML, Manson JE, Pettinger M, Hendrix SL, Hubbell FA, Kooperberg C, Kuller LH, Lane DS, McTiernan A, Jo O'Sullivan M, Rossouw JE, Anderson GL. Estrogen plus progestin therapy and breast cancer in recently postmenopausal women. Am J Epidemiol 2008; 167:1207-16. [PMID: 18372396 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwn044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Women's Health Initiative trial found a modestly increased risk of invasive breast cancer with daily 0.625-mg conjugated equine estrogens plus 2.5-mg medroxyprogesterone acetate, with most evidence among women who had previously received postmenopausal hormone therapy. In comparison, observational studies mostly report a larger risk increase. To explain these patterns, the authors examined the effects of this regimen in relation to both prior hormone therapy and time from menopause to first use of postmenopausal hormone therapy ("gap time") in the Women's Health Initiative trial and in a corresponding subset of the Women's Health Initiative observational study. Postmenopausal women with a uterus enrolled at 40 US clinical centers during 1993-1998. The authors found that hazard ratios agreed between the two cohorts at a specified gap time and time from hormone therapy initiation. Combined trial and observational study data support an adverse effect on breast cancer risk. Women who initiate use soon after menopause, and continue for many years, appear to be at particularly high risk. For example, for a woman who starts soon after menopause and adheres to this regimen, estimated hazard ratios are 1.64 (95% confidence interval: 1.00, 2.68) over a 5-year period of use and 2.19 (95% confidence interval: 1.56, 3.08) over a 10-year period of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross L Prentice
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA.
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31
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Messina M. Conclusion that isoflavones exert estrogenic effects on breast tissue and may raise breast cancer risk unfounded. Mol Nutr Food Res 2008; 52:299-300. [PMID: 18246588 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.200890007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Verheus M, Peeters PHM, van Noord PAH, van der Schouw YT, Grobbee DE, van Gils CH. No relationship between circulating levels of sex steroids and mammographic breast density: the Prospect-EPIC cohort. Breast Cancer Res 2008; 9:R53. [PMID: 17692133 PMCID: PMC2206729 DOI: 10.1186/bcr1758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2007] [Revised: 07/27/2007] [Accepted: 08/13/2007] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background High breast density is associated with increased breast cancer risk. Epidemiologic studies have shown an increase in breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women with high levels of sex steroids. Hence, sex steroids may increase postmenopausal breast cancer risk via an increase of breast density. The objective of the present study was to study the relation between circulating oestrogens and androgens as well as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in relation to breast density. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among 775 postmenopausal women, using baseline data of a random sample of the Prospect-EPIC study. Prospect-EPIC is one of two Dutch cohorts participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, and women were recruited via a breast cancer screening programme. At enrolment a nonfasting blood sample was taken and a mammogram was made. Oestrone, oestradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, testosterone and SHBG levels were measured, using double-antibody radioimmunoassays. Concentrations of free oestradiol and free testosterone were calculated from the measured oestradiol, testosterone and SHBG levels Mammographic dense and nondense areas were measured using a semiquantitative computerized method and the percentage breast density was calculated. Mean breast measures for quintiles of hormone or SHBG levels were estimated using linear regression analyses. Results Both oestrogens and testosterone were inversely related with percent breast density, but these relationships disappeared after adjustment for BMI. None of the sex steroids or SHBG was associated with the absolute measure of breast density, the dense area. Conclusion The results of our study do not support the hypothesis that sex steroids increase postmenopausal breast cancer risk via an increase in breast density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn Verheus
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Room Str 6.131, PO Box 85500, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Petra HM Peeters
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Room Str 6.131, PO Box 85500, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Paulus AH van Noord
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Room Str 6.131, PO Box 85500, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne T van der Schouw
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Room Str 6.131, PO Box 85500, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Diederick E Grobbee
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Room Str 6.131, PO Box 85500, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Carla H van Gils
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Room Str 6.131, PO Box 85500, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 GA, The Netherlands
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Current awareness: Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.1377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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