Interaction Effect Between Breast Density and Reproductive Factors on Breast Cancer Risk in Korean Population

Mammographic breast density status in women aged more than 40 years in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq: a cross-sectional study

Objective

Mammography is the gold standard screening procedure for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. This study aimed to determine the distribution of breast density among women older than 40 years in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, and to examine the correlations between breast density and various risk factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 750 women who received routine mammographic breast screening at Sulaimaniyah Breast Center. Bilateral standard two-view mammographic images (craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique projections) were acquired and reported using a picture archiving and communication system. American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) assessment categories C and D were considered as dense.

Results

A total of 54.3% of breasts were classified as dense, with ACR-BI-RADS categories C or D. Breast density was significantly associated with age, body mass index, a family history of breast cancer, and pre-menopause, and women with no history of breastfeeding were more likely to have dense breasts than those with partial or complete breastfeeding.

Conclusions

This study revealed that women from Sulaimaniyah with a distinct breast-density profile at mammographic screening may have a significantly increased risk of breast cancer.

The epidemiologic factors associated with breast density: A review

In recent years, some studies have evaluated the epidemiologic factors associated with breast density. However, the variant and inconsistent results exist. In addition, breast density has been proved to be a significant risk factor associated with breast cancer. Our review summarized the published studies and emphasized the crucial factors including epidemiological factors associated with breast density. In addition, we also discussed the potential reasons for the discrepant results with risk factors. To decrease the incidence and mortality rates for breast cancer, in clinical practice, breast density should be included for clinical risk models in addition to epidemiological factors, and physicians should get more concentrate on those women with risk factors and provide risk-based breast cancer screening regimens.