Magda Johanna Vandeloo
Hasselt University, Belgium
Title: Influence of lifestyle factors on mammographic density and prevention of breast cancer: An overview
Biography
Biography: Magda Johanna Vandeloo
Abstract
High mammographic breast density is considered to be a strong risk factor for breast cancer. Women who have breast density of 75% or greater have an almost fivefold increased risk of breast cancer compared to women with absence of density. These effects are noted for both premenopausal and postmenopausal women of all ages. Higher mammographic density is associated with more aggressive cancers and with ‘in situ’ tumors.
Recent studies highlight the possible relationship between lifestyle, dietary and environmental factors on one side and increased breast density on the other side. The effect of energy intake and dietary patterns in childhood and throughout adulthood on subsequent mammographic density has recently been investigated. Data from observational studies suggest that the strongest associations are among vitamin D, calcium, dietary fat and alcohol. The relation between body mass index and breast density is very complex. Some studies examined influence of lifestyle factors as physical activity and smoking habits on mammographic density. Findings of recent studies investigating the influence of Mediterranean diet on breast density suggest decrease in mammographic density.
Implementation of corrections in nutrition and lifestyle can be guided to reduce mammographic breast density. As breast cancer risk is nearly impossible to influence in adult age, preventive strategies should be applied as early in life as feasible. In children, changes in nutritional habits and lifestyle might be possible because social attitudes are in full development. Better control of these factors during lifetime might reduce mammographic density and hence breast cancer risk later in life.