Differences in mammographic density between Asian and Caucasian populations: a comparative analysis

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Imaging
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Mammographic density is a key breast cancer risk biomarker.
• Asian women paradoxically show higher mammographic density despite lower breast cancer risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare mammographic density distribution between Malaysian Asian and Swedish Caucasian women.
• Investigate population-specific risk factors influencing mammographic density differences.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study matching 1501 Malaysian and 4501 Swedish women by age and BMI.
• Utilized multivariable log-linear regression and mediation analysis.

Main Results:

• Asian women exhibited 2.0% higher percent density and 5.7 cm³ higher dense volume (pre-menopausal).
• Post-menopausal Asian women had 3.0 cm³ lower dense volume, linked to height, weight, and parity.
• Population differences in height, weight, and parity explained post-menopausal density variations.

Conclusions:

• Height, weight, and parity account for post-menopausal mammographic density and breast cancer risk differences.
• Pre-menopausal Asian and Caucasian women have similar breast cancer risk but differing dense volumes, necessitating new risk biomarkers.