1Iraqi Ministry of Health
2Al-Imamain al Kadhimaein Medical City, Head of Radiology Department
3Al-Dubbat Primary Health Care Centre for Family Medicine, Consultant Family Physician
4Dept. of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Baghdad University
5Al-Elwiya Maternity Teaching Hospital, Woman Health Center
*Correspondence: Dr. Alhan H. Sultan E-mail: 17107004@meciq.edu.iq
Online published on 26 September, 2019.
Mammography is a tool for screening and diagnosis of breast cancer. Increasing density of the breast affects the accuracy of mammograph. Sociodemographic and reproductive factors play a role in varying density of the breast. Therefore, evaluation of the risk factors that may lead to increase density, will be an important key in the early detection of breast cancer.
To comment on breast density in Iraq.
A total of 400 patients were enrolled in the study. One hundred attendants were excluded due to insufficient data. The sociodemographic, reproductive data and mammographic views were acquired from record files.
A peak density was type B (scattered fibro glandular). Age, parity, menstrual status, breast feeding and obesity were significantly affecting density of breast (p= 0.002, 0.003, 0.001, 0.001 and 0.007, respectively). Smoking, using contraception and family history of breast cancer were not affecting the mammographic density.
Higher breast density in yonger age group, nulliparous, those were menstruating regularly or irregularly comparing with non-menstruating women, shorter duration of breast feeding with low BMI may increase the mammographic breast density. Dense breast might obscure the lesions and reduce the accuracy of mammography.
Breast density, risk factors, Iraq, mammography
