Density of breast: An independent risk factor for developing breast cancer, a prospective study at two premium breast centers

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women worldwide.Studies have identified breast density as a controversial risk factor of breast cancer.Moreover, studies found that breast density reduction through Tamoxifen could reduce risk of breast cancer significantly. To date, no study on the association between breast density and breast cancer has been carried out in Malaysia. If breast density is proven to be a risk factor of breast cancer, intervention could be carried out to reduce breast cancer risk through breast density reduction. Purpose: To determine if density of breast is an independent risk factor which will contribute to development of breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study is carried out in two hospitals targeting adult female patients who presented to the Breast Clinic with symptoms suspicious of breast cancer. Participants recruited were investigated for breast cancer based on their symptoms. Breast density assessed from mammogram was correlated with tissue biopsy results and final diagnosis of benign or malignant breast disease. Results: Participants with dense breasts showed 29% increased risk of breast cancer when compared to those with almost entirely fatty breasts (odds ratio [OR] 1.29, 95% CI 0.38-4.44, P = .683). Among the postmenopausal women, those with dense breasts were 3.1 times more likely to develop breast cancer compared with those with fatty breasts (OR 3.125, 95% CI 0.72-13.64, P = .13). Moreover, the chance of developing breast cancer increases with age (OR 1.046, 95% CI 1.003-1.090, P < .05). In contrast, the density of breast decreases with increasing age (P < .05) and body mass index (P = .051). The proportion of high breast density whether in the whole sample size, premenopausal, or postmenopausal group was consistently high. Conclusion: Although results were not statistically significant, important association between breast density and risk of breast cancer cannot be ruled out. The study is limited by a small sample size and subjective assessment of breast density. More studies are required to reconcile the differences between studies of contrasting evidence. | 3245LO et aL.

Risk and Protective Factors for Female Cancer Breast in Al Dakahleya, Egypt

“…who described an association of dietary fat with breast cancer risk. The current study revealed that dense breast is a risk factor for cancer breast, this is in agreement with the results of the study of Chia Hwee Lo et al (13) in (2020) showing that: Postmenopausal women with dense breasts are 3 times more likely to develop breast cancer compared to those with low breast density. The study concluded that at least 5 years history of contraceptive pills or any other hormonic drugs (therapy) intake can be a risk factor for breast cancer this is in accordance with the study of Nicole D. White et al (14) who concluded that: evaluations of contemporary hormonal contraceptive formulations support previous ndings of an approximately 20% increased risk of breast cancer for women who are using or have recently used hormonal contraception, this risk may increase with duration of use and persist for up to 5 years in women who have used hormonal contraception for at least 5 years.…”

Awareness about Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination among Undergraduate Female Students at the University of Agadir, Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

“…Indeed, less than 10% of breast cancers can be attributed to an inherited genetic mutation, particularly if they carry mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes [ 6 ]. However, breast cancer is more commonly linked to environmental, mainly reproductive, and lifestyle factors (i.e., obesity, alcohol consumption) [ 7 , 8 ] in addition to hormonal influences, reproductive history [ 9 , 10 ], personal health history, age, gender, race, and breast density, collectively contributing to the multifaceted nature of breast cancer risk [ 11 , 12 ]. Furthermore, breast cancer represents various warning signs, including the appearance of a lump or mass, and skin alterations like redness, puckering, or dimpling [ 13 ], unknown pain, alterations in breast size or shape [ 14 ].…”