Predicting Breast Cancer Risk from Breast Density

September 26th, 2006

A new model for assessing a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer indicates that breast density is as important a factor as their age, family history, or prior breast biopsy. In a study that included more than 1 million women receiving annual screening mammograms, 11,638 women were diagnosed with breast cancer within a year.

Those more likely to develop breast cancer were found to have very dense breasts. These women are more difficult to image, as milk gland tissue and cancer tumors both appear white on the mammogram. Fatty tissue is less dense, appears clear, and is therefore easier for radiologists to find tumors.

After adjustment for age, study researchers found that the risk of developing breast cancer was nearly four times greater for women with very dense breasts, compared to women with mostly fat tissue in their breasts. Post-menopausal women tend to have less dense breasts that include more fatty tissue.

The new prediction models are expected to help doctors identify women who are most at risk for breast cancer so that necessary interventions may take place. Additional screening using sonograms or MRI are more effective for identifying tumors in women with dense breasts.

This study, published in the September 6 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, is the largest study so far in terms of population size and the number of risk factors examined.

Source:  ScienceDaily.com

Entry Filed under: Breast Cancer