Mammographic density in relationships with relevant contributing factors: a multicentric study from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Mammographic breast density (MBD), a well-established factor linked to breast cancer, is the focus of this preliminary report among women across multiple centers in Riyadh. The study aims to identify risk factors associated with high breast density.

Methods: MBD was assessed at three hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using the American College of Radiology (ACR) categories: A (almost entirely fatty), B (scattered areas of fibroglandular density), C (heterogeneously dense), and D (extremely dense). Breast density distributions were analyzed in relation to age, body mass index (BMI), family history, parity, and hormonal therapy usage.

Results: The study included 1,530 women, revealing an inverse association between dense breast proportion and age/BMI. Notably, 43.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 43.2% to 43.5%] of women aged 40-79 years exhibited heterogeneously or highly dense breasts, with this proportion inversely correlated with age and BMI.

Conclusions: Healthcare providers should consider breast density for appropriate screening and, if necessary, recommend supplemental methods. Policymakers and healthcare providers, when discussing breast density notification legislation, should be mindful of its high prevalence, ensuring women notified have opportunities to evaluate breast cancer risk and pursue supplemental screening options if deemed appropriate.

Keywords: Mammography; breast; cancer; density; surveillance.

Figure 1

Age distribution of the studies patients.

Figure 2

BMI distribution of the studied patients. BMI, body mass index.

Figure 3

ACR breast density classification of the studied patients. A: almost entirely fatty breasts; B: scattered areas of fibroglandular density; C: heterogeneously dense breasts; D: extremely dense breasts; E: unknown. ACR, American College of Radiology.

Figure 4

Relation between ACR grades and age of patients. A: almost entirely fatty breasts; B: scattered areas of fibroglandular density; C: heterogeneously dense breasts; D: extremely dense breasts. ACR, American College of Radiology.

Figure 5

Relation between ACR grades and BMI of patients. A: almost entirely fatty breasts; B: scattered areas of fibroglandular density; C: heterogeneously dense breasts; D: extremely dense breasts. BMI, body mass index; ACR, American College of Radiology.