High bone density increases risk of breast cancer
BMJ 2001; 322 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.322.7302.1566/d (Published 30 June 2001) Cite this as: BMJ 2001;322:1566- Scott Gottlieb
- New York
Older women with high bone density are about twice as likely to develop breast cancer, a new study has found.
These results add to existing evidence that suggests that older women who have low bone mass have a decreased risk of breast cancer and, conversely, that higher bone density is associated with increased risk of breast cancer.
Bone mineral density can be an accurate marker of the body's response to oestrogen, in that women with higher bone density are thought to be physiologically more sensitive to the hormone's effects than women with lower bone density.
Because oestrogens have also been …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.