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Cigarette smoking and mammographic breast density in post-menopausal women from the EPIC Florence cohort

  • 0Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy.
Frontiers in Oncology +

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March 22, 2024

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March 22, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Cigarette smoking is linked to lower mammographic breast density (MBD) in post-menopausal women. This inverse relationship, observed in current and former smokers, suggests smoking may influence MBD, a BC risk factor.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Radiology
  • Epidemiology

Background

  • Cigarette smoking is a recognized breast cancer (BC) risk factor, though biological mechanisms are unclear.
  • High mammographic breast density (MBD) is associated with BC risk and influenced by various factors including lifestyle.
  • Understanding factors modulating MBD is crucial for BC risk assessment.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To prospectively investigate the association between smoking habits and MBD in post-menopausal women.
  • To assess the impact of smoking duration and intensity on MBD.
  • To explore the relationship between smoking and volumetric breast density measures.

Main Methods

  • Analysis of 3,774 women from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Florence cohort.
  • Collection of detailed smoking, anthropometric, lifestyle, and reproductive history data.
  • Automated assessment of total breast volume, absolute dense volume (DV), and volumetric percent density (VPD) using Volpara™ software.

Main Results

  • An inverse association was found between smoking exposure and VPD (current smokers: -7.96%; former smokers: -3.92%).
  • A dose-response relationship was observed with smoking intensity, duration, and lifetime exposure (pack-years).
  • Former smokers showed a direct association with time since smoking cessation; similar trends were seen for DV.

Conclusions

  • This longitudinal study confirms an inverse association between active smoking and MBD in post-menopausal women.
  • Smoking habits may influence MBD, a factor implicated in breast cancer risk.
  • Future research could evaluate incorporating smoking habits into BC risk prediction models.

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