PROTECT women by PReventiOn and early deTECTion of breast cancer initiation - cellular and molecular effects of reducing breast density

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide with a steady increase in the number of new cases diagnosed. Breast density, i.e. the amount of fibroglandular tissue relative to fat (adipose) tissue, is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and the local microenvironment in the breast tissue is known to significantly impact breast cancer initiation and progression. Thus, if breast density can be diminished, the risk of breast cancer may be reduced simultaneously. To target breast density, both life style changes and medication are plausible tools. Yet, to identify relevant drugs, a comprehensive molecular understanding is required through novel functional models. The PROTECT project is a translational concept to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind potential breast cancer preventive therapies. This innovative study design bridges an ambitious ongoing clinical trial with detailed functional laboratory experiments.