This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Breast density is a commonly used biomarker for breast cancer risk in adult women; women with high density experience a 4 to 6-fold higher risk to develop breast cancer than women with low density. However, mammograms are not available for girls and young women because the radiation risk may exceed the potential benefits. Therefore, we are proposing to develop an innovative method to obtain breast images from whole body DXA scans, which have very little radiation exposure. A recent report by Dr. John Shepherd showed that DXA devices can be used to estimate breast tissue density. Percentage of fat of breast tissue measured with DXA was highly correlated and linearly related to the percentage of breast glandular tissue density measured with mammography. This method has been tested in women, but we would like to develop it for young girls after transferring the technique to a Lunar Prodigy. First, we will recalibrate the DXA machine to the algorithm developed by Dr. Shepherd s group, in order to separate fat & glandular tissue in the DXA scan. In order to collect the scan, new images will be required due to the positioning needed for this scan. Our objectives then is to first, transfer a technique to obtain breast scans as a method to assess breast density from a Hologic to a Lunar Prodigy DXA machine. Second, we plan to train the technician at CRC to obtain breast scans on a DXA prodigy machine using adult women. Third, we will obtain DXA breast scans among young girls to show feasibility and repeatability of obtaining breast images to assess the relative distribution of fatty and glandular/stromal tissue as endpoint in a dietary soy intervention study among young girls (submitted grant application R01 CA123118-01 to NCI). We propose to recruit up to 20 women volunteers from the University of Hawaii and 20 girls from the ACT study for this feasibility study. These girls have consented to be recontacted.
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