Associations of age, body mass index, and breast size with mammographic breast density in Korean women

Abstract

We aimed (a) to investigate the associations between age, body mass index (BMI), and breast size with mammographic density based on the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) and volumetric breast density measurement (VBDM) with Volpara, (b) to evaluate the associations of age, BMI, and breast size with fibroglandular tissue volume (FGV), and (c) to demonstrate the association of mammographic density grade with FGV. From April 2012 to May 2012, 1,203 women consecutively underwent mammography, and their breast density was calculated using the density grade and volume determined by Volpara. In total, 427 women were included in this study. The BMI and breast size of the 427 women were determined. The associations between mammographic density and age, BMI, and bra cup size were assessed. In addition, the associations between FGV and age, BMI, bra cup size, and mammographic density were assessed. The mean age of the women was 51 years (range, 27−83). Age was associated with mammographic density based on BI-RADS (<i>P</i><0.0001), and both age and BMI were associated with mammographic density based on Volpara (<i>P</i><0.0001). The mean FGV significantly decreased as age increased (<i>P</i><0.0001) and increased as BMI and bra cup size increased (<i>P</i><0.0001 and <i>P</i>=0.0007, respectively). Age was associated with mammographic density, according to both the BI-RADS and VBDM; however, BMI was only associated with mammographic density based on the VBDM. Larger FGV was associated with younger age, higher BMI, larger bra cup size, and higher mammographic density