Wednesday, March 2, 2005
SAN FRANCISCO, Mar 01, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Bone
density is not related to either mammographic breast density or a woman's risk
of breast cancer, according to California researchers.
Mammographic breast density is one of the strongest known risk factors for
breast cancer, but it is not known why breast density should affect breast
cancer risk. One theory is that breast density may reflect the cumulative
effects of estrogen on breast tissue.
Dr. Karla Kerlikowske of the University of California, San Francisco, found bone
density was not related to either mammographic breast density or breast cancer
risk. However, she found breast density was a strong risk factor for breast
cancer even after taking into account reproductive and hormonal risk factors.
The researchers conclude a component of breast density that is independent of
estrogen-mediated effects might contribute to breast cancer risk.
The findings are published in Wednesday's Journal of the National Cancer
Institute.
Source :
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_23291.html