The Untapped Opportunities of Addressing Lifecourse Growth in Mammographic Breast Density and Breast Cancer Prevention in Non-Hispanic Black Women

Abstract

This commentary discusses the importance of adiposity and lifecourse growth with mammographic breast density (MBD) in non-Hispanic Black (NHB) women. Although high MBD is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer, the determinants of MBD in NHB women remain understudied. Although adiposity at the time of mammography is most strongly associated with MBD, adiposity as early as ages 10 and 18 years is also independently associated with MBD. The commentary emphasizes the need for future research to identify biological mechanisms underlying the associations of adulthood adiposity and lifecourse growth with MBD in NHB women and how these can be translated to breast cancer prevention. Additionally, it highlights the need for more studies looking at lifecourse growth and microscopic breast tissue characteristics such as terminal duct lobular unit involution and epithelial-to-stromal proportions. See related article by Bigham et al., p. 1640