title: Mammographic density and breast cancer risk: current understanding and future prospects.
abstract: Variations in percent mammographic density (PMD) reflect variations in the amounts of collagen and number of epithelial and non-epithelial cells in the breast. Extensive PMD is associated with a markedly increased risk of invasive breast cancer. The PMD phenotype is important in the context of breast cancer prevention because extensive PMD is common in the population, is strongly associated with risk of the disease, and, unlike most breast cancer risk factors, can be changed. Work now in progress makes it likely that measurement of PMD will be improved in the near future and that understanding of the genetics and biological basis of the association of PMD with breast cancer risk will also improve. Future prospects for the application of PMD include mammographic screening, risk prediction in individuals, breast cancer prevention research, and clinical decision making.
authors: Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Room 10-415, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada. boyd@uhnres.utoronto.ca
authors: Norman F
authors: NF
authors: Boyd
authors: Lisa J
authors: LJ
authors: Martin
authors: Martin J
authors: MJ
authors: Yaffe
authors: Salomon
authors: S
authors: Minkin
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors