Abstract

Mammographic density (MD) reflects variations in fat, stromal and epithelial tissues that are thought to be regulated by several genes. High MD is an established risk factor for breast cancer; therefore, genes that regulate MD may indirectly influence breast cancer. These genes might also be fewer in number and easier to identify than those for breast cancer risk outside of inherited predisposition syndromes. In this Perspective, we review the limited genetic studies of MD and propose future directions.

Author affiliations

1. Linda E. Kelemen is at the Department of Population Health Research, Alberta Cancer Board, 1,331 29th Street North West, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N2, Canada.
2. Thomas A. Sellers is at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12,902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.
3. Celine M. Vachon is at the Department of Health Sciences Research, College of Medicine. Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street South West, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.

Correspondence to: Celine M. Vachon³ Email: vachon.celine@mayo.edu

Published online 5 September 2008

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