Summary
Summary: Breast density is an important risk factor for breast cancer and varies substantially across racial-ethnic groups. However, determinants of breast density in Vietnamese immigrants in the United States (U.S.) have not been studied. Authors investigated whether reproductive factors, immigration history and other demographic and lifestyle factors were associated with breast density in Vietnamese Americans.
Researchers collected information on demographics, immigration history and other lifestyle factors and mammogram reports from a convenience sample of 380 Vietnamese American women in California aged 40 to 70 years. Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) breast density was abstracted from mammogram reports.
Findings: All participants were born in Vietnam and 82% had lived in the U.S. for 10 years or longer. Younger age, lower body mass index, nulliparity/lower number of deliveries, and longer U.S. residence (or younger age at migration) were associated with having dense breasts. Compared to women who migrated at age 40 or later, the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for having dense breasts among women who migrated in their 30s and 20s or earlier were 1.72 (0.96–3.07), and 2.48 (1.43–4.32), respectively.
Longer U.S. residence and younger age at migration were associated with greater breast density in Vietnamese American women. Identifying modifiable mediating factors to reduce lifestyle changes that adversely impact breast density in this traditionally low-risk population for breast cancer is warranted.
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