Mammographic Density and Breast Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Gill Jasmeet K, Maskarinec Gertraud, Pagano Ian, Kolonel Laurence N
Primary Institution: Cancer Research Center of Hawaii
Hypothesis
Is there an association between mammographic density and the risk of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer?
Conclusion
Mammographic density is associated with both breast DCIS and invasive breast cancer, suggesting they may share common risk factors.
Supporting Evidence
- Women with at least 50% percentage density had a 3.5-fold greater risk for invasive breast cancer than women with less than 10% density.
- The risk for DCIS was almost threefold greater in women with 50% or more percentage density than in women with less than 10% density.
- Both percentage density and the size of the dense area were associated with breast DCIS and invasive breast cancer.
Takeaway
Women with dense breasts are more likely to develop certain types of breast cancer, including DCIS.
Methodology
A nested case-control study comparing mammographic densities of patients with breast cancer and cancer-free controls.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to undetected DCIS among controls.
Limitations
Low participation rates and reliance on self-reported data for some variables.
Participant Demographics
Participants included Japanese, Caucasian, and Native Hawaiian women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 2.26–5.66 for invasive breast cancer; 95% CI 1.38–5.94 for breast DCIS.
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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