Integration of molecular and radiologic features to understand breast cancer risk: Implications for risk assessment and prevention

Department of Epidemiology Seminar Series

Speaker:
Rulla Tamimi, ScD
Professor of Population Health Sciences, Division Chief of Epidemiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences

Abstract:

Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer in women. Although many risk factors for breast cancer have been identified, only some are modifiable. Since 2004, incidence rates have been rising 0.3% year, highlighting the lack of successful prevention strategies. Current risk prediction models used in the clinics, do not perform well in discriminating women at high risk of breast cancer. Mammographic density is one of the strongest risk factors for breast cancer. Including mammographic density and other novel risk factors may improve our ability to accurately predict individuals at risk for breast cancer. I will discuss mammographic density as well as novel mammographic risk factors. Several epidemiologic studies have examined circulating vitamin D levels and breast cancer; however, the evidence is inconsistent as to whether vitamin D can reduce risk or improve cancer survival. To address gaps in knowledge and limitations of other studies, we conducted an ancillary study in the context of a randomized trial of high dose vitamin D on mammographic features and breast tissue. Integrating molecular and radiologic features in the context of epidemiologic studies, we can better understand how risk factors influence cancer etiology and progression.