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Risk factors for benign proliferative breast disease
C Friedenreich1, H Bryant, F Alexander
1Division of Epidemiology, Prevention and Screening, Alberta Cancer Board, 1331-29 St NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N2. chrisf@acb-epi.ucalgary.ca
International Journal of Epidemiology
|August 3, 2000
Summary
Higher fibroglandular breast tissue density nearly doubles the risk of benign proliferative breast disease (BPBD). This finding identifies a potential marker for increased BPBD risk in women.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Nested case-control study within the Alberta breast screening program cohort.
- Focused on identifying epidemiological risk factors for benign proliferative breast disease (BPBD).
- Analyzed women with benign breast biopsies between 1990 and 1995.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify epidemiological risk factors for benign proliferative breast disease (BPBD).
- To investigate the association between fibroglandular breast tissue density and BPBD risk.
Main Methods:
- Re-review of breast biopsies by four pathologists using Page's classification.
- Cases: 165 women with benign breast tissue changes (sclerosing adenosis to atypical ductal hyperplasia).
- Controls: 217 women with no proliferative or neoplastic changes; in-person interviews conducted.
Main Results:
- Women with ≥25% fibroglandular breast tissue density had nearly double the risk of BPBD (OR = 1.91).
- No other examined risk factors were associated with BPBD.
- Statistical significance indicated by 95% CI: 1.24-2.94.
Conclusions:
- Fibroglandular tissue density may serve as a risk factor or marker for BPBD.
- Highlights the potential role of breast tissue composition in BPBD development.
- Suggests further research into the relationship between tissue density and breast disease.