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Premenopausal serum androgens and breast cancer risk: a nested case-control study
Anne Zeleniuch-Jacquotte1, Yelena Afanasyeva, Rudolf Kaaks
1Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 650 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA. anne.jacquotte@nyumc.org
Breast Cancer Research : BCR
|February 21, 2012
Summary
Higher levels of testosterone and free testosterone in premenopausal women are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. These hormone measurements are reliable for assessing long-term levels, aiding in risk prediction.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Circulating androgens are linked to breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women.
- Limited data exist on androgen levels and breast cancer risk in premenopausal women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between premenopausal androgen levels and breast cancer risk.
- To assess the reliability of hormone measurements for risk prediction.
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control study within the New York University Women's Health Study.
- Included 356 cases and 683 matched controls.
- Measured testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG); calculated free testosterone.
Main Results:
- Premenopausal testosterone and free testosterone concentrations were positively associated with breast cancer risk.
- Increased odds ratios observed for higher quintiles of testosterone and free testosterone.
- Marginally significant positive association with androstenedione; no association with DHEAS or SHBG.
Conclusions:
- Premenopausal testosterone and free testosterone levels are associated with increased breast cancer risk.
- Hormone measurements are reliable, reflecting average levels over time.
- Consider incorporating testosterone and free testosterone into risk prediction models for women aged 40-50.
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