Breast Density: An Inherit Risk Factor for Breast Cancer
A recent study has indicated that breast tissue density – a major risk of breast cancer, runs in the family thus is hereditary. This particular study helps one understand the importance of breast density in women which was until recently confirmed to be heritable in women, thus adding to the importance of preventing breast cancer in early life of women.
Dr. Boyd was the first scientist to discover that middle aged women having dense breasts are more susceptible to acquire breast cancer. Breasts are formed by fibroglandular tissues and fat, excessive amount of fibroglandular tissues lead to dense breasts thus leading to breast cancer. His new research, published in Lancet Oncology report, is the first study that measures and reports the breast density in young women. It reported that many factors affect the density of breasts in young women such as their height, weight and the breast density of their mothers.
The scientists used Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) technology instead of mammograms as young women are more susceptible to radiations from mammogram. The MRI technology measures the amount of water in the breasts which in turn also measures the density of fibroglandular tissues in women.
This study established that the breast density in young women is considerably higher as compared to their mothers, and this decreased as the age progressed .The study also found out that the breast density was considerably lower in shorter women. Thus indicating an inverse relation between height and breast density in women. However the study was yet to confirm and understand how the density of breasts in young women changes with their age.
The probability of occurrence of breast cancer in young women is next to zero as this disease mainly occurs in middle aged to older women that is around the age of 45-50years. However assessing the risks of breast cancer at a younger age is recommended as this would help the women understand the risk of the disease. Breast density is the key indicator of breast cancer thus women with high density of breasts should be screened more frequently and should be under close watch of their doctors to prevent any occurrence of breast cancer when their age increase.