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01-09-2019 | Breast Cancer | Epidemiology

Associations between mammographic density and tumor characteristics in Chinese women with breast cancer

Authors: Erni Li, Jennifer L. Guida, Yuan Tian, Hyuna Sung, Hela Koka, Mengjie Li, Ariane Chan, Han Zhang, Eric Tang, Changyuan Guo, Joseph Deng, Nan Hu, Ning Lu, Gretchen L. Gierach, Jing Li, Xiaohong R. Yang

Published in: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment | Issue 2/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Mammographic density (MD) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer, yet its relationship with tumor characteristics is not well established, particularly in Asian populations.

Methods

MD was assessed from a total of 2001 Chinese breast cancer patients using Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories. Molecular subtypes were defined using immunohistochemical status on ER, PR, HER2, and Ki-67, as well as tumor grade. Multinomial logistic regression was used to test associations between MD and molecular subtype (luminal A = reference) adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, parity, and nodal status.

Results

The mean age at diagnosis was 51.7 years (SD = 10.7) and the average BMI was 24.7 kg/m² (SD = 3.8). The distribution of BI-RADS categories was 7.4% A = almost entirely fat, 24.2% B = scattered fibroglandular dense, 49.4% C = heterogeneously dense, and 19.0% D = extremely dense. Compared to women with BI-RADS = A/B, women with BI-RADS = D were more likely to have HER2-enriched tumors (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.08–3.06, p = 0.03), regardless of menopausal status. The association was only observed in women with normal (< 25 kg/m²) BMI (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.24–4.76, p < 0.01), but not among overweight/obese women (OR: 0.98, 95% CI 0.38–2.52, p = 0.96).

Conclusions

Among Chinese women with normal BMI, higher breast density was associated with HER2-enriched tumors. The results may partially explain the higher proportion of HER2+ tumors previously reported in Asian women.

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Title: Associations between mammographic density and tumor characteristics in Chinese women with breast cancer
Authors: Erni Li
Jennifer L. Guida
Yuan Tian
Hyuna Sung
Hela Koka
Mengjie Li
Ariane Chan
Han Zhang
Eric Tang
Changyuan Guo
Joseph Deng
Nan Hu
Ning Lu
Gretchen L. Gierach
Jing Li
Xiaohong R. Yang
Publication date: 01-09-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Published in: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 0167-6806
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7217
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-019-05325-6

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Abstract

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