AUGUST 2008 -
Comments from members needed on NICE draft guidelines on breast cancer guidelines
EARLY:
ADVANCED:
Any comments to Mike Michell by September 19, 2008

Breast Imaging Classification System - FINAL VERSION (pdf - opens in new window)
Newsletter - Summer 08 (Word document)
URGENT - MR questionnaire survey for ASM (Word document)
BRISTOL Biopsy Course - download info here

BREAST IMAGING RESEARCH NETWORK (BIRN) Workshop - The RCR breast group has set up a Breast Imaging Research Network. This is still at an early stage. One of the aims of the network is to support breast research across the UK. We have set up our first research workshop where RCR breast group members can come and learn more about research methodology and funding opportunities that are available. We will have a number of research experts at the meeting who will be available to help with your research questions. We would very much appreciate the support of the research community at this meeting. REGISTRATION is required if you wish to attend. Please download the programme and registration forms (space limited to 50 persons)

THE BREAST COURSE - The course is primarily for radiologists and focuses on image guided techniques with live demonstrations of all the core and vacuum techniques and cryo-ablation. There are also hands on work shops with all the devices available to try. Big on MR as well with Steve Harms and Christiane Kuhl doing lots of workshops. Tom Stavros is also a main contributor doing plenary lectures and workshops focused on specific problem areas. There is input from top end oncologists, pathologists and surgeons (including Emiel Rutgers from the Erasmus in Holland) as well. The faculty are also around all the time for one to one sessions - www.thebreastcourse.com

FOR MEMBERS ONLY - there are minutes of the Big18 June Committee meeting available

NEW DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE on Digital Mammography

1. CEP cost effectiveness study on digital versus film/screen mammography
2. Buyers Guide to Digital Mammography
   

Potential mechanisms of breast cancer risk associated with mammographic density: hypotheses based on epidemiological evidence

Potential mechanisms of breast cancer risk associated with mammographic density: hypotheses based on epidemiological evidence

Lisa J Martin; Norman F Boyd
An interesting paper published online in Breast Cancer Res. 2008;10(1) by the above authors.

This is reported in a Medline article this week

There is now extensive evidence that mammographic density is a risk factor for breast cancer, independent of other risk factors, and is associated with large relative and attributable risks for the disease. The hypotheses that we have developed from the observations described above are summarized here

Cumulative Exposure to Mammographic Density and Breast Cancer Risk

Mammographic density reflects variations in the tissue composition of the breast, and is associated positively with collagen and epithelial and nonepithelial cells, and negatively with fat. Increasing age, parity, and menopause are all associated with reductions in the epithelial and stromal tissues in the breast, and with an increase in fat. These histological changes are reflected in the radiological appearance of the breast, and are consistent with mammographic density being a marker of susceptibility to breast cancer, in a manner similar to the concept of 'breast tissue age' described in the Pike model. Like breast tissue age, variations in mammographic density may reflect the mitotic activity of breast cells and differences in susceptibility to genetic damage, and cumulative exposure to density may have an important influence on breast cancer incidence.

Mitogens, Mutagens and Mammographic Density

Mammographic density is influenced by some hormones and growth factors, as well as by several hormonal interventions, and is associated with urinary levels of a mutagen. We postulate that the combined effects of cell proliferation (mitogenesis) and genetic damage to proliferating cells by mutagens (mutagenesis) may underlie the increased risk for breast cancer associated with extensive mammographic density. As described above under 'Relationship of mitogenesis and mutagenesis', mitogenesis and mutagenesis are not independent processes. Increased cell proliferation can increase lipid peroxidation, and the products of lipid peroxidation can increase cell proliferation

Potential areas for genetic influence include variation in the regulation of the hormones and growth factors that act on the breast, the response and modelling of breast tissue to these stimuli, and the processes that are involved in oxidative stress and the generation of mutagens.