How does body mass index (BMI) relate to breast density?

Higher body mass index (BMI) generally correlates with decreased breast density. This relationship is primarily due to the composition of breast tissue, where increased BMI often indicates a higher proportion of fatty tissue relative to glandular tissue. In women with a higher BMI, the breast tissue tends to have more adipose (fat) tissue, and less dense glandular tissue, which results in lower overall breast density.

Breast density is an important factor in mammography, as denser breast tissue can make it more difficult to detect abnormalities such as tumors. Understanding how BMI affects breast density is crucial for healthcare providers, as it can influence screening practices and assessments of breast cancer risk.

The options discussing no effect or an increase in glandular density don't align with the established understanding of breast tissue composition relative to BMI.