Cancer Res Treat.  2011 Mar;43(1):42-48.

Reproductive and Hormonal Factors Associated with Fatty or Dense Breast Patterns among Korean Women

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
  • 2Cancer Early Detection Branch, National Cancer Control Institute, Goyang, Korea. yeonju.kim5@gmail.com
  • 3Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA.
  • 4Department of Radiology, Center for Diagnostic Oncology, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
  • 5Center for Breast Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
  • 6National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.

Abstract

PURPOSE
Dense breasts have been suggested as a risk factor for breast cancer, but controversy still remains. This study evaluates the association of reproductive and hormonal factors with dense breasts among Korean women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Using a cross-sectional design, 516 women were recruited and classified for breast density patterns as being either fatty or dense, using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) of the American College of Radiology. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
In univariate logistic regression, older age, higher body mass index, older age at menarche, and oral contraceptive use were associated with more fatty breasts. On the contrary, longer duration of education, alcohol consumption, lower parity, menopause and use of hormone replacement therapy were associated with dense breasts. After adjustment, age and body mass index were inversely associated with breast density (p-value for trend <0.01, respectively), whereas nulliparous and premenopausal status were positively associated. Compared to women who had > or =2 children, nulliparous women had an 11.8-fold increase of dense breasts (p-value for trend <0.01). Compared to postmenopausal women, premenopausal women had 2.4-fold increase of dense breasts (odds ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.36 to 4.32).
CONCLUSION
Young age, lower body mass index, lower parity, and premenopausal status were significantly associated with dense breasts in Korea.

Keyword

Breast; Mammography; Risk factors; Cross-sectional study; Korea

MeSH Terms

Alcohol Drinking
Body Mass Index
Breast
Breast Neoplasms
Child
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Humans
Information Systems
Korea
Logistic Models
Mammography
Menarche
Menopause
Parity
Risk Factors

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