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Research: MASALA and co-authors,
Listed in Issue 141
Abstract
MASALA and co-authors, Molecular and Nutritional Epidemiology Unit, CSPO, Scientific Institute of Tuscany, Florence, Italy, have looked at possible dietary influences on the risk of breast cancer.
Background
High mammographic breast density has been associated with increased breast cancer risk, even after adjustment for established risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of diet upon mammographic breast density.
Methodology
In a longitudinal study, about 2,000 women were identified with a mammogram taken 5 years after enrolment, when detailed information on dietary and lifestyle habits and anthropometric measurements had been collected. Original mammograms have been identified and retrieved (1,668; 83%), and mammographic breast density was assessed by 2 experienced readers.
Results
High mammographic breast density was confirmed to be inversely associated with BMI, number of children and breast feeding, while it was directly associated with higher educational level, premenopausal status and a previous breast biopsy. In multivariate analyses adjusted for non-dietary variables, high breast density was inversely associated with increasing consumption of vegetables (p for trend = 0.005) and olive oil (p for trend = 0.04). An inverse association was also evident between high breast density and frequent consumption of cheese and high intakes of beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium and potassium (p for trend < or = 0.05). On the other hand, there was a positive association with increasing consumption of wine (p for trend = 0.01).
Conclusion
This large longitudinal study, the first carried out in Mediterranean women, suggests that specific dietary components may play a key role in determining breast density in this population, thus possibly modulating breast cancer risk.
References
Masala G, Ambrogetti D, Assedi M, Giorgi D, Del Turco MR, Palli D. Dietary and lifestyle determinants of mammographic breast density. A longitudinal study in a Mediterranean population. International Journal of Cancer 118 (7): 1782-1789, Apr 1, 2006.
