Multi-ancestry study of mammographic density
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11462346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large, diverse group of women will be studied to better understand why breast tissue density varies and how it relates to breast cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $717,715 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA317515-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11462346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women across multiple ancestries who have had mammograms and consent to genetic and lifestyle research, including those with varying breast density levels.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to screening or who do not participate in genetic or lifestyle data collection may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will analyze genetic and non-genetic factors that influence how dense a woman's breast tissue is across multiple ethnic groups. Researchers will combine existing data from thousands of women to identify genetic variants and environmental influences linked to mammographic density. The goal is to improve risk prediction and inform tailored screening strategies for diverse populations. The study centers on understanding how ancestry, hormones, and lifestyle factors like alcohol use modify density and cancer risk, with results helping to personalize prevention in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to better personalized breast cancer risk assessment and screening recommendations for women of diverse backgrounds.
How similar studies have gone: Previous GWAS and TWAS efforts have identified some genetic factors but explained only a portion of density heritability.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sieh, Weiva — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Sieh, Weiva
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HIV-related cervical cancer screening and care in LMICs (AVANÇO HAMRC)
A multi-country effort to build sustainable research infrastructure and low-cost cervical cancer screening and treatment methods for women living with HIV in Brazil and Mozambique.
-
HIV-associated cervical cancer care infrastructure in LMICs
A program to build sustainable research infrastructure and bring low-cost cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment to women with HIV in Brazil and Mozambique.
-
HIV-associated cervical cancer screening and care network in LMICs
A multinational program aims to build affordable, practical cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment methods for women living with HIV in Brazil and Mozambique.
-
Mapping HIV-like SIV Reservoirs in the Brain with Advanced PET Imaging
This project develops brain-targeted imaging probes to map SIV reservoirs in the central nervous system of infected macaques, aiming to improve our understanding of how HIV-like viruses hide in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Germline clues to skin-related immune side effects from cancer immunotherapy
This grant looks for genetic clues in people treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors to understand why some develop skin-related immune side effects.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.