Medication use and mammographic breast density.

PURPOSE: A dense breast on mammogram is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. Identifying factors that reduce mammographic breast density could thus provide insight into breast cancer prevention. Due to the limited number of studies and conflicting findings, we investigated the associations of medication use (specifically statins, aspirin, and ibuprofen) with mammographic breast density. METHODS: We evaluated these associations in 775 women who were recruited during an annual screening mammogram at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis. We measured mammographic breast density using Volpara. We used multivariable-adjusted linear regressions to determine the associations of medication use (statins, aspirin, and ibuprofen) with mammographic breast density. Least squared means were generated and back-transformed for easier interpretation. RESULTS: The mean age of study participants was 52.9 years. Statin use in the prior 12 months was not associated with volumetric percent density or dense volume, but was positively associated with non-dense volume. The mean volumetric percent density was 8.6% among statin non-users, 7.2% among women who used statins 1-3 days/week, and 7.3% among women who used statins ≥ 4 days/week (p trend = 0.07). The non-dense volume was 1297.1 cm3 among statin non-users, 1368.7 cm3 among women who used statins 1-3 days/week, and 1408.4 cm3 among those who used statins ≥ 4 days/week (p trend = 0.02). We did not observe statistically significant differences in mammographic breast density by aspirin or ibuprofen use. CONCLUSION: Statin, aspirin, and ibuprofen use was not associated with volumetric percent density and dense volume, but statin use was positively associated with non-dense volume. Any potential associations of these medications with breast cancer risk are unlikely to be mediated through an effect on volumetric percent density.

Factors Associated With Participation in Rheumatic Disease-Related Research Among Underrepresented Populations: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Nonwhite racial/ethnic groups remain underrepresented in rheumatic disease-related research, despite being disproportionately affected by these disorders. Our objective was to systematically review the literature regarding underrepresented patients' perceptions of participation in rheumatic disease research and to develop strategies to improve diversity. METHODS: A systematic search of Embase, PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, and Cochrane was performed through October 2018. Two independent reviewers identified 642 unique studies; 7 met inclusion criteria (peer-reviewed articles, published in English in the last 20 years, adult population, and with a focus on underrepresented patients' participation in rheumatic research). Five coauthors provided final approval of included articles. Data abstraction was performed, and common themes and key differences were determined and adjudicated. RESULTS: The 7 articles included (n = 1,892 patients, range per article 20-961) evaluated factors associated with research participation of underrepresented populations. Five articles were related to lupus and 2 to rheumatoid arthritis, and 5 focused on African American patients and 1 on Hispanic patients. Five of the studies provided quantitative data through surveys (n = 3) and chart review (n = 2), while 2 used qualitative analyses. Key themes regarding underrepresented patients' perceptions of participating in research included: 1) the importance of trust in the patient- physician relationship, 2) the understanding of heterogeneity within and between ethnic groups, 3) the need for authentic academic-community partnerships, and 4) the implications of strict inclusion criteria on study participant diversity. CONCLUSION: Limited evidence exists regarding underrepresented patients' attitudes toward research participation in rheumatology, and further investigation is warranted. The themes identified provide a starting point for future interventions that promote increased diversity in rheumatic disease-related research studies.