Jennifer Gillman, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jennifer Chun MPH, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Shira Schwartz, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Freya Schnabel MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Linda Moy MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Obesity in post-menopausal women is associated with elevated breast cancer risk and mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), mammographic breast density, background parenchymal enhancement (BPE), and fibroglandular tissue (FGT) in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. We further analyzed how obesity related to disease stage, clinical breast exam, and screening frequency.

This study was IRB approved and HIPAA compliant. The Breast Cancer Database was queried for patients with both a mammogram and breast MRI between January 2010 and December 2011. Variables of interest included BMI, age, family history of breast cancer, atypical hyperplasia, lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), tumor characteristics, mammographic breast density, BPE, FGT, menopausal status, use of chemoprevention, and screening behavior. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), linear regression, and Pearson’s chi-square. BMI was analyzed as a continuous variable, as well as a dichotomous variable (BMI < 25 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2).

A total of 187 women were analyzed, with a median age of 51 years (range 22-87). BMI was significantly associated with advanced stage (p=0.014), lower mammographic density (p < 0.0001), lower FGT (p < 0.0001), higher BPE (p=0.0004) and non-palpable lesions (p=0.04), independent of age and menopausal status. 58% of women underwent annual screening mammography exams.

In our study, higher BMI was associated with decreased breast density, decreased FGT, and increased BPE. Higher BMI was also associated with advanced breast cancer stage, and cancers that were non-palpable on clinical exam. Therefore, overweight and obese patients may benefit from regular screening with mammography.

Obese and overweight women are more likely to have non-palpable, advanced stage breast cancer. Since this population also has lower breast density, obtaining regular screening mammograms is essential.

Gillman, J, Chun, J, Schwartz, S, Schnabel, F, Moy, L, The Relationship of Obesity, Mammographic Breast Density, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features in Patients with Breast Cancer.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14008006.html