Breast Density Assessment by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry in Women and Girls
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that breast cancer risk is determined early in life. Mammographic density has been used as a biomarker for breast cancer risk because of its strong association with breast cancer. However, use of this screening method is contraindicated in young women and girls because the risk of X-ray based mammograms outweighs potential benefits in that age group. In contrast, Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) has extremely low radiation and is commonly available. The specific aims of this project among adult women and adolescent girls, who will be recruited as mothers and daughters, will be to 1. Correlate breast density measured by DXA with mammographic density among adult women; 2. Compare the association of known breast cancer risk factors with breast density from DXA scans to their association with mammographic density; 3. Assess DXA breast density by Tanner stage of breast maturation among adolescent girls; 4. Relate DXA breast density to other observable measures of pubertal maturation, e.g., height and menarche; and 5. Examine the relation between breast density measured by DXA in mothers and daughters. During this year, we have recruited 19 mother-daughter pairs plus one additional daughter and obtained DXA scan images from all participants. We project to recruit the remaining 80% (81 mother-daughter pairs) and complete data collection by the end of next year. Upon completion of the study, our multiethnic sample will generate a pilot data on the DXA scan as a method to evaluate breast cancer risks in women and young girls from various ethnic groups.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA506631
Entities
People
- Gertraud Maskarinec
- Rachel Novotny
Organizations
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa