Environment and Breast Cancer: Science Review
About
The association of increased weight, body mass index, and tissue density with the risk of breast carcinoma in Vermont
Lam, P. B., Vacek, P. M., Geller, B. M., Muss, H. B. Cancer. 2000. 89:2, 369-75.
Topic area
Body size
Body size
Study design
Hospital based case-control
Hospital based case-control
Funding agency
NCI
NCI
Study Participants
Number of Cases
529 cases (DCIS, LCIS and Invasive)
529 cases (DCIS, LCIS and Invasive)
Menopausal Status
Post menopausal
The menopausal status of women included in this study is listed here.
Pre menopausalPost menopausal
Number of Controls
Controls: 2,116 (4 controls for each case)
Controls: 2,116 (4 controls for each case)
Participant selection: Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Criteria used to select participants in the study.
In: Vermont women who had mammograms between May 1996 and November 1997, and diagnosed with DCIS, LCIS or invasive breast cancer between May 1996 to November 1997 (cases)
Ex: Prior history of breast carcinoma
Comment about participation selection
Strengths: Examined breast density as an exposure, adjusted for breast density, and investigated DCIS, LCIS and invasive breast cancers Limitations: Anthropometric data was self-reported, and questionnaire was brief asking little more than weight, height and breast cancer history
Strengths: Examined breast density as an exposure, adjusted for breast density, and investigated DCIS, LCIS and invasive breast cancers Limitations: Anthropometric data was self-reported, and questionnaire was brief asking little more than weight, height and breast cancer history
Exposure Investigated
Exposures investigated
Weight, BMI, and breast density
Weight, BMI, and breast density
How exposure was measured
Questionnaire, self-administered
Questionnaire, self-administered
Exposure assessment comment
Anthropometric data was self-reported
Anthropometric data was self-reported
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, Confounders: age, family history of breast carcinoma, childbearing age, breast density and weight
(adjusted for weight and breast density)
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 modifiers: HRT use and menopausal status Interactions: HRT use
Effect modifiers: HRT use and menopausal status Interactions: HRT use
Strength of associations reported
Association between postmenopausal breast cancer risk and weight, >81 kg vs. <63 kg, OR=2.1(1.3-3.2)
Association between postmenopausal breast cancer risk and BMI, >30.0 vs. <22.0, OR=2.5(1.6-4.1)
Association between postmenopausal breast cancer risk and breast density, extremely vs. entirely fat, OR=4.5(1.9-10.6)
Association between breast cancer risk and weight amongst non-HRT users, >81.0 kg vs. <63.0 kg, OR=3.3(1.8-5.9)
Association between breast cancer risk and weight amongst HRT users, >81.0 kg vs. <63.0 kg, OR=1.4(0.7-2.9)
Association between breast cancer risk and BMI amongst non-HRT users, >30 vs. <22, OR=3.6(1.8-7.9)
Association between breast cancer risk and BMI amongst HRT users, >30 vs. <22, OR=1.8(0.8-3.9)
Association between postmenopausal breast cancer risk and weight, >81 kg vs. <63 kg, OR=2.1(1.3-3.2)
Association between postmenopausal breast cancer risk and BMI, >30.0 vs. <22.0, OR=2.5(1.6-4.1)
Association between postmenopausal breast cancer risk and breast density, extremely vs. entirely fat, OR=4.5(1.9-10.6)
Association between breast cancer risk and weight amongst non-HRT users, >81.0 kg vs. <63.0 kg, OR=3.3(1.8-5.9)
Association between breast cancer risk and weight amongst HRT users, >81.0 kg vs. <63.0 kg, OR=1.4(0.7-2.9)
Association between breast cancer risk and BMI amongst non-HRT users, >30 vs. <22, OR=3.6(1.8-7.9)
Association between breast cancer risk and BMI amongst HRT users, >30 vs. <22, OR=1.8(0.8-3.9)
Author address
University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont 05401-3444, USA.
University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont 05401-3444, USA.
Controls participation rate
Greater than 70%
Greater than 70%