Asian vs Caucasian Breast Density

Reviewed by Grace Juniaty, MD

Among women, one quarter as many Chinese develop breast cancer as North American. Is this because of breast density, genetics, diet, or other factors?

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In the field of oncology, almost a third of breast cancers are not visible because of dense breast tissue. Radiologists detect breast density during mammography procedures. Mammo­graphic breast density (MBD) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer among Caucasian women in America.

In contrast, a study of Asian women in China with dense breasts reveals a quarter less occurrence of cancer. Do genetics, environ­ment, diet, or some other factors account for this phenomenon? Clinical studies provide some answers.

Types of Breast Cancer

  • Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
  • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
  • Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
  • Invasive Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (ILC)
  • Triple Negative Breast Cancer
  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
  • Metastatic Breast Cancer
  • Medullary Carcinoma (3–5%)
  • Tubular Carcinoma (2%)
  • Mucinous Carcinoma (1–2%)
  • Paget Disease of Breast or Nipple

Of the various types of breast cancer, DCIS is most common.

    Breast Density Characteristics

    Asian vs Caucasian Breast Density

    Breast tissue density decreases during pregnancy and meno­pause. A study found low MBD among mothers with later age first full-term birth and those beginning menopause later in life. Post­­meno­pausal women who had breastfed longer than a year early in life and body mass index (BMI)—tall height with more weight—were also contributing factors.

    High MBD was reported among those with low weight/BMI, those having full-term births later in life and those with a high educa­tion level. The inverse association between BMI and MBD likely reflects the correlation between body fat and fatty tissue within breasts.

    It remains unclear whether age, weight, BMI, and mother­hood have an effect on race or ethnicity. Post­menopausal Asian women with very dense breasts have an high risk of breast cancer across multiple studies.

    Dense Breast Radiology

    Dense breasts do not directly lead to breast cancer, unless there is a family history. This is because density obscures anomalies during imaging. Many types of breast imaging are either in use or under­going evaluation. It will take time to see if newer ones are as good or better than ones more popular today. Emerg­ing breast imaging technologies include:

    • Scintimammography (molecular breast imaging)
    • Positron emission mammography (PEM)
    • Electrical impedance imaging (EIT)
    • Elastography
    • New types of optical imaging tests

    Diet and Prevention

    A series of genetic mutations lead to breast cancer. Even with many treatments for it, current technology cannot guarantee breast cancer prevention. With further study, scientists hope to expand their knowledge of gene therapy as a method to prevent cancer in the future.

    There is no strong evidence that taking vitamins or other dietary supplements reduce breast cancer risk. A diet low in fat, processed and red meat, and sugary drinks, but high in fruits and vegetables has many health benefits. It may even reduce the development of cancer cells.

    We see lower breast density and breast cancer among female populations with a Mediterranean diet. They eat mostly vegetables, olive oil, and consume very little red meat.

    There is an insignificant correlation between women who drink tea and dense breasts. This is interesting since previous studies in China show tea drinking helps with breast cancer prevention. Hundreds of biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols are found in roasted coffee.

    These and other coffee compounds can increase energy expendi­ture, inhibit cellular damage, regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and/or inhibit metastasis, among other activities. However, association with cancer is unclear. Results differ by menopausal state. Regardless of effects, experts recom­mend avoidance of caffeine during the week prior to mammography.

    The radiology field compliments oncology. Tradi­tional mammo­graphy remains the most prominent test for screening breast cancer. This is because of its prevalence and relatively low cost. As an adjunction, new techno­logies can guide oncologists to the best treat­ment options.

    Whether you have dense breasts or not, more healthy nutrition, alcohol reduction, avoid smoking avoidance, and regular exercise are helpful. If you have a family history of cancer or discover that you have dense breasts, you benefit from more frequent radiology screenings.

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    Updated: Aug 20, 2023

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