How lifestyle and genes relate to breast tissue density in Hispanic women

The impact of lifestyle and genetic factors on mammographic density in a cohort of Hispanic women

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-11301923

This project looks at how everyday habits and inherited genes are linked to breast tissue density in Hispanic women, a factor tied to breast cancer risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11301923 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you take part, researchers will collect and store mammogram images from thousands of Hispanic women in a large U.S. cohort. They will measure how much dense (glandular and connective) tissue versus fatty tissue is present and calculate percent density for each mammogram. Those density measures will be linked with participants' lifestyle information (such as body weight, diet, and reproductive history) and genetic data to find patterns. The team will compare results across ages, menopausal status, and Hispanic subgroups to better understand who may have higher risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult Hispanic women in the U.S., especially those already enrolled in the HCHS/SOL cohort or who can provide recent mammograms and health information.

Not a fit: People who are not Hispanic, men, or women without mammograms or available genetic/lifestyle data are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve breast cancer risk prediction and help tailor screening or prevention strategies for Hispanic women.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in mostly non-Hispanic White groups have shown mammographic density predicts breast cancer risk, but applying this approach specifically to Hispanic women is less tested and fills an evidence gap.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast CancerBreast Cancer DetectionBreast Cancer Risk FactorBreast cancer screeningCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.