Mammographic Density and Breast Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Ginsburg O M, Martin L J, Boyd N F
Primary Institution: Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto, Canada
Hypothesis
Age-related changes in mammographic density and breast tissue involution are closely related phenomena that may influence breast cancer risk.
Conclusion
Extensive mammographic density and delayed breast involution are both associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Women with mammographic density in more than 60–75% of the breast have a four- to six-fold greater risk of breast cancer.
- Extensive mammographic density is one of the strongest known risk factors for developing breast cancer.
- The risk of hyperplasia without atypia was increased 12.2-fold in women with density in more than 75% of the mammogram.
Takeaway
As women get older, the density of their breast tissue changes, and this can affect their risk of getting breast cancer.
Methodology
The review discusses literature related to mammographic density, breast tissue involution, and breast cancer risk, including quantitative assessments from multiple studies.
Potential Biases
The risk of breast cancer associated with breast involution may be underestimated due to the study population being limited to women who had biopsies.
Limitations
Current methods of measuring mammographic density may underestimate the risk of breast cancer due to limitations in measurement techniques.
Participant Demographics
The review includes studies with women of varying ages, including parous and nulliparous women.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.59–2.21
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website