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Radiology Mar 2023Breast density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer. In digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis, breast density is assessed visually using the... (Review)
Review
Breast density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer. In digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis, breast density is assessed visually using the four-category scale developed by the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (5th edition as of November 2022). Epidemiologically based risk models, such as the Tyrer-Cuzick model (version 8), demonstrate superior modeling performance when mammographic density is incorporated. Beyond just density, a separate mammographic measure of breast cancer risk is parenchymal textural complexity. With advancements in radiomics and deep learning, mammographic textural patterns can be assessed quantitatively and incorporated into risk models. Other supplemental screening modalities, such as breast US and MRI, offer independent risk measures complementary to those derived from mammography. Breast US allows the two components of fibroglandular tissue (stromal and glandular) to be visualized separately in a manner that is not possible with mammography. A higher glandular component at screening breast US is associated with higher risk. With MRI, a higher background parenchymal enhancement of the fibroglandular tissue has also emerged as an imaging marker for risk assessment. Imaging markers observed at mammography, US, and MRI are powerful tools in refining breast cancer risk prediction, beyond mammographic density alone.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Breast Density; Breast; Mammography; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36749212
DOI: 10.1148/radiol.222575 -
Clinical Radiology Apr 2018The term "breast density" or mammographic density (MD) denotes those components of breast parenchyma visualised at mammography that are denser than adipose tissue. MD is... (Review)
Review
The term "breast density" or mammographic density (MD) denotes those components of breast parenchyma visualised at mammography that are denser than adipose tissue. MD is composed of a mixture of epithelial and stromal components, notably collagen, in variable proportions. MD is most commonly assessed in clinical practice with the time-honoured method of visual estimation of area-based percent density (PMD) on a mammogram, with categorisation into quartiles. The computerised semi-automated thresholding method, Cumulus, also yielding area-based percent density, is widely used for research purposes; however, the advent of fully automated volumetric methods developed as a consequence of the widespread use of digital mammography (DM) and yielding both absolute and percent dense volumes, has resulted in an explosion of interest in MD recently. Broadly, the importance of MD is twofold: firstly, the presence of marked MD significantly reduces mammographic sensitivity for breast cancer, even with state-of-the-art DM. Recognition of this led to the formation of a powerful lobby group ('Are You Dense') in the US, as a consequence of which 32 states have legislated for mandatory disclosure of MD to women undergoing mammography. Secondly, it is now widely accepted that MD is in itself a risk factor for breast cancer, with a four-to sixfold increased relative risk in women with PMD in the highest quintile compared to those with PMD in the lowest quintile. Consequently, major research efforts are underway to assess whether use of MD could provide a major step forward towards risk-adapted, personalised breast cancer prevention, imaging, and treatment.
Topics: Breast; Breast Density; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Mammography; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ultrasonography, Mammary
PubMed: 29273225
DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2017.11.018 -
Radiology Dec 2021
Topics: Breast Density; Humans; Mammography; Radiographic Image Enhancement
PubMed: 34519580
DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2021211788 -
The Breast Journal Aug 2020Mammographic breast density and various breast MRI features are imaging biomarkers that can predict a woman's future risk of breast cancer. While mammographic density... (Review)
Review
Mammographic breast density and various breast MRI features are imaging biomarkers that can predict a woman's future risk of breast cancer. While mammographic density (MD) has been established as an independent risk factor for the development of breast cancer, MD assessment methods need to be accurate and reproducible for widespread clinical use in stratifying patients based on their risk. In addition, a number of breast MRI biomarkers using contrast-enhanced and noncontrast-enhanced techniques are also being investigated as risk predictors. The validation and standardization of these breast MRI biomarkers will be necessary for population-based clinical implementation of patient risk stratification, as well. This review provides an update on MD assessment methods, breast MRI biomarkers, and their ability to predict breast cancer risk.
Topics: Biomarkers; Breast Density; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mammography; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32654416
DOI: 10.1111/tbj.13965 -
Radiologic Technology Mar 2020Breast density has been a critical topic in mammography and women's health for several years. Many states have created laws and mandates to ensure that patients and... (Review)
Review
Breast density has been a critical topic in mammography and women's health for several years. Many states have created laws and mandates to ensure that patients and ordering providers receive information regarding a patient's breast density. Mammographers and patients must understand breast density classifications and how they can affect clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. During an examination, understanding breast density can improve a mammographer's ability to achieve images of diagnostic quality, while ensuring the patient remains as comfortable as possible.
Topics: Breast Density; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Mammography; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 32102870
DOI: No ID Found -
Canadian Association of Radiologists... Feb 2022
Topics: Breast Density; Breast Neoplasms; Canada; Female; Humans; Mammography; Risk
PubMed: 34482760
DOI: 10.1177/08465371211030573 -
Seminars in Ultrasound, CT, and MR Feb 2023Mammographic breast density is widely accepted as an independent risk factor for the development of breast cancer. In addition, because dense breast tissue may mask... (Review)
Review
Mammographic breast density is widely accepted as an independent risk factor for the development of breast cancer. In addition, because dense breast tissue may mask breast malignancies, breast density is inversely related to the sensitivity of screening mammography. Given the risks associated with breast density, as well as ongoing efforts to stratify individual risk and personalize breast cancer screening and prevention, numerous studies have sought to better understand the factors that impact breast density, and to develop and implement reproducible, quantitative methods to assess mammographic density. Breast density assessments have been incorporated into risk assessment models to improve risk stratification. Recently, novel techniques for analyzing mammographic parenchymal complexity, or texture, have been explored as potential means of refining mammographic tissue-based risk assessment beyond breast density.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Density; Breast Neoplasms; Mammography; Early Detection of Cancer; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36792272
DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2022.11.001 -
European Journal of Cancer Prevention :... Nov 2017Excess total body fat and abdominal adipose tissue are recognized risk factors for metabolic diseases but also for some types of cancers, including breast cancer.... (Review)
Review
Excess total body fat and abdominal adipose tissue are recognized risk factors for metabolic diseases but also for some types of cancers, including breast cancer. Several biological mechanisms in connection with local and systemic effects of adiposity are believed to be implicated in breast cancer development, and may involve breast fat. Breast adipose tissue can be studied through mammography by looking at breast density features such as the nondense area mainly composed of fat, or the percent breast density, which is the proportion of fibroglandular tissue in relation to fat. The relation between adiposity, breast density features, and breast cancer is complex. Studies suggest a paradoxical association as adiposity and absolute nondense area correlate positively with each other, but in contrast to adiposity, absolute nondense area seems to be associated negatively with breast cancer risk. As breast density is one of the strongest risk factors for breast cancer, it is therefore critical to understand how these factors interrelate. In this review, we discuss these relations by first presenting how adiposity measurements and breast density features are linked to breast cancer risk. Then, we used a systematic approach to capture the literature to review the relation between adiposity and breast density features. Finally, the role of adipose tissue in carcinogenesis is discussed briefly from a biological perspective.
Topics: Adiposity; Body Mass Index; Breast Density; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Risk Factors
PubMed: 27571214
DOI: 10.1097/CEJ.0000000000000310 -
Canadian Family Physician Medecin de... Feb 2024
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Density; Mammography; Early Detection of Cancer; Breast Neoplasms; Mass Screening
PubMed: 38383013
DOI: 10.46747/cfp.700282 -
Journal of Primary Care & Community... Jul 2016We reviewed the literature on breast density knowledge and breast density awareness to explore what challenges are faced by this area of research. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
We reviewed the literature on breast density knowledge and breast density awareness to explore what challenges are faced by this area of research.
METHOD
A review of PubMED, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases was performed. Studies were published in peer-reviewed journals (in all years available) and written in English. The broad search terms used were ["breast density"] AND ["knowledge" OR "awareness"]. Eligible articles were included in the final analysis after meeting the following inclusion criteria: (1) the records had to quantitatively examine and report breast density knowledge and awareness, (2) the number of participants in the sample had to be clearly specified, and (3) studies reporting differences in breast density knowledge and awareness between racial and ethnic groups were included in the review.
RESULTS
Of the 277 articles identified, only 5 met inclusion criteria and addressed breast density knowledge and awareness. Characteristics of studies and results were examined.
CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to determine a pattern of breast density knowledge and awareness in women. More quality studies are needed that focus on how well women understand the relationship between breast density, breast cancer risk, and breast cancer screening, especially in diverse populations.
Topics: Awareness; Breast; Breast Density; Breast Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Ethnicity; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Literacy; Humans; Mammography
PubMed: 26906525
DOI: 10.1177/2150131916633138