title: Raised mammographic density: causative mechanisms and biological consequences.
abstract: High mammographic density is the most important risk factor for breast cancer, after ageing. However, the composition, architecture, and mechanical properties of high X-ray density soft tissues, and the causative mechanisms resulting in different mammographic densities, are not well described. Moreover, it is not known how high breast density leads to increased susceptibility for cancer, or the extent to which it causes the genomic changes that characterise the disease. An understanding of these principals may lead to new diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions.
authors.affiliation: Faculties of Life and Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Sherratt
authors.affiliation: Faculties of Life and Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
authors.forename: James C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: McConnell
authors.affiliation: Faculties of Life and Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK. cstreuli@manchester.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Charles H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Streuli
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D000071060:Breast Density; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D042361:Mammary Glands, Human / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008327:Mammography; D011379:Prognosis; D012306:Risk; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers