Hormone replacement therapy, percent mammographic density, and sensitivity of mammography

Abstract

Objective: We examine to what extent the lower mammographic sensitivity found in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) users can be explained by any association of HRT use with higher mammographic density and more difficult to detect cancers. Methods: We used logistic regression to estimate the odds of a false-negative screen (a breast cancer diagnosed in the 24 months after a negative screening examination) for HRT users and to estimate, and adjust for, mammographic density (measured on a continuous scale, blinded, using a reliable, computer-assisted method), tumor characteristics (size, grade, and morphology), and potential confounders (age, symptom status, family history, and prior screening)..