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Elevated serum estradiol and testosterone concentrations are associated with a high risk for breast cancer. Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group

  • 0Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.
Annals of Internal Medicine +

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March 6, 1999

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March 6, 1999

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Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

High levels of estradiol and testosterone in older women are linked to increased breast cancer risk. Measuring these hormones can help identify high-risk individuals for preventive strategies.

Area Of Science

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Epidemiology

Background

  • The link between endogenous steroid hormones and breast cancer risk remains unclear.
  • Measuring sex hormone levels may help identify women at high risk for breast cancer who could benefit from preventive therapies.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate whether serum concentrations of estradiol and testosterone predict breast cancer risk.
  • To test the hypothesis linking specific hormone levels to breast cancer development.

Main Methods

  • Prospective case-cohort study conducted across four US clinical centers.
  • Assayed sex-steroid hormone concentrations (estradiol, testosterone) in serum from 97 women with breast cancer and 244 controls (all white, aged ≥65, not on estrogen).
  • Ascertained traditional breast cancer risk factors via questionnaire; confirmed incident cases through medical record review over 3.2 years.

Main Results

  • Women with the highest bioavailable estradiol concentrations had a 3.6-fold increased risk for breast cancer.
  • Highest free testosterone concentrations were associated with a 3.3-fold increased risk.
  • Breast cancer incidence was significantly higher in women with the highest levels of both bioavailable estradiol and free testosterone (6.5 per 1000 person-years) compared to those with the lowest levels (0.4 per 1000 person-years).
  • Traditional risk factors did not significantly alter these hormone-related risk associations.

Conclusions

  • Serum estradiol and testosterone levels may be crucial in the development of breast cancer in older women.
  • A single measurement of bioavailable estradiol and free testosterone can estimate breast cancer risk.
  • Women identified as high-risk based on hormone levels may benefit from antiestrogen therapy for primary prevention.

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