Abstract PS3-03-06: Hepatosteatosis as a risk factor for development of breast cancer: A single center experience

Abstract Background: Hepatosteatosis is frequently observed in breast cancer patients due to shared risk factors such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and advanced age. The aim of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the association between hepatosteatosis and early-stage breast cancer by examining routine abdominopelvic computed tomography images obtained for staging purposes in breast cancer patients. Methods: The imaging and histopathology reports of patients who presented to Memorial Hospital for breast screening or diagnostic imaging were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with advanced-stage breast cancer, additional malignancies, or significant comorbidities were excluded from the study. A total of 129 patients (Group 1) who underwent surgery for early-stage breast cancer between January 2017 and January 2025 were included in this retrospective analysis. A control group (Group 2) was formed from 103 patients without a history of cancer or significant comorbidities. Liver attenuation values on abdominopelvic computed tomography, as well as serum transaminases (AST, ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin levels were recorded and compared with those of the control group. Hepatosteatosis was evaluated using a four-point scale ranging from 0 to 3, where higher grades reflect greater degrees of lipid accumulation in the liver tissue. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of age, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, or total bilirubin levels (all p > 0.05) (Table 1). The rate of patients with moderate to severe hepatosteatosis (grades 2-3) was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2, whereas the rate of patients with grade 0-1 hepatosteatosis was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (18.6% vs. 8.74% and 91.26% vs. 8.74%, respectively; p= 0.033). Conclusion: The study results indicated an increased prevalence of hepatosteatosis in early-stage breast cancer patients when compared to control group. Lifestyle modifications, weight loss, increased regular physical activity, and a healthy diet help reduce hepatosteatosis and insulin resistance, thereby preventing the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Considering the evidence suggesting that hepatosteatosis may increase the risk of breast cancer development, clinicians should keep in mind the importance of planning and implementing preventive strategies in this patient group. Citation Format: B. Citgez, B. Yigit, E. Namal. Hepatosteatosis as a risk factor for development of breast cancer: A single center experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS3-03-06.