Breast Density in Mothers and Daughters
Author Information
Author(s): Maskarinec Gertraud, Morimoto Yukiko, Daida Yihe, Shepherd John, Novotny Rachel
Primary Institution: University of Hawaii Cancer Center
Hypothesis
Breast density from DXA scans is correlated between mothers and adolescent daughters due to its heritable component.
Conclusion
The heritability of breast volume and dense tissue is measurable in adolescence, but percent breast density shows no relation between mothers and daughters at that time.
Supporting Evidence
- Breast volume and absolute fibroglandular volume in daughters were lower than in mothers.
- The study found significant correlations for breast volume and absolute fibroglandular volume between mothers and daughters.
- No significant association was found for percent fibroglandular volume between mothers and daughters.
Takeaway
This study looked at how breast size and density are similar between mothers and their daughters. It found that while some aspects are inherited, the percentage of dense tissue in breasts doesn't seem to be related at a young age.
Methodology
The study used Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) to measure breast density in 101 mothers and their daughters aged 10-16 years.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding by age, adiposity, and hormonal influences.
Limitations
The sample size was relatively small and did not allow for separate analyses by ethnicity.
Participant Demographics
Mothers aged 30 years and older and daughters aged 10-16 years, with a mix of ethnic backgrounds including Asian, Caucasian, and Other.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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