Environment and Breast Cancer: Science Review
About
Breast cancer risk is positively associated with height
Wang, D. Y., DeStavola, B. L., Allen, D. S., Fentiman, I. S., Bulbrook, R. D., Hayward, J. L., Reed, M. J. Breast Cancer Research & Treatment. 1997. 43:2, 123-8.
Topic area
Body size
Body size
Study design
Cohort
Cohort
Funding agency
Other: Breast Cancer Research Trust
Other: Breast Cancer Research Trust
Study Participants
Menopausal Status
Post menopausal
The menopausal status of women included in this study is listed here.
Pre menopausalPost menopausal
Number in Cohort
Cohort: 2,731 (who participated in two assessments)
Cohort: 2,731 (who participated in two assessments)
Country where study was conducted
Isle of Guernsey, Great Britain
Isle of Guernsey, Great Britain
Cohort participation rate
Retention/participation exceeded 70% for exposed a
Retention/participation exceeded 70% for exposed a
Comment about participation selection
Strengths: Analyzed the contrast in self-reported heights and measured heights Limitations: over call their own data; claim risk estimates differ by how height is measured
Strengths: Analyzed the contrast in self-reported heights and measured heights Limitations: over call their own data; claim risk estimates differ by how height is measured
Exposures investigated
Height
Height
How exposure was measured
Anthropometric measurement, self-administered 1961-1968 Anthropometric measurement, researcher-administered 1968-1976
Anthropometric measurement, self-administered 1961-1968 Anthropometric measurement, researcher-administered 1968-1976
Ethnic groups with separate analysis
If this study provided a separate analysis by ethnic or racial group, the groups are listed here.
No
Confounders considered
Other breast cancer risk factors, such as family history, age at first birth, and hormone replacement therapy use, that were taken into account in the study.
Adequately controlled
Genetic characterization included
If the study analyzed relationships between environmental factors and inherited genetic variations, this field will be marked “Yes.” “No”, if not.
No
Description of major analysis
Effect modifier: menopausal status Follow up: 7 and 8 years
Effect modifier: menopausal status Follow up: 7 and 8 years
Results Comments
Shows attenuation of risk estimates when self-reported height is used instead of measured height. Taller women underestimate and shorter women overestimate height.
Shows attenuation of risk estimates when self-reported height is used instead of measured height. Taller women underestimate and shorter women overestimate height.
Author address
Unit of Metabolic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, London, UK.
Unit of Metabolic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, London, UK.