Abstract
IntroductionBreast cancer is one of the leading cancers amongst women world-wide. Although mortality has been reduced and survival rates increased in developed countries, mortality rates from breast cancer are still a major health challenge for many developing countries. In Uganda, there are no screening programmes and in many cases mammography is used for diagnostic purposes. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentations and mammographic breast density patterns amongst women that presented to the radiology department for mammography at a national referral hospital.MethodsThis was a retrospective study carried out at Mulago Hospital in Uganda between January 2011 and January 2012. Records for patients who had mammography during this period were reviewed.ResultsThe total number of patients was 382 with a mean age of 46 years. Majority presented with breast pain and masses. Mammograms done were normal in majority of the women with fatty breast density dominating. In Uganda, mammography was mainly performed for diagnostic purposes.ConclusionThere is no mammography screening programme in Uganda and many women cannot access the service due to its limited availability and costs despite its significance in breast cancer management. There is therefore need for governments in Uganda, but in other areas as well to support regular mammography screening as a way of reducing mortality from breast cancer.
Highlights
IntroductionMortality has been reduced and survival rates increased in developed countries, mortality rates from breast cancer are still a major health challenge for many developing countries
Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers amongst women world-wide
This study investigated mammographic findings and clinical presentation of women presenting in the Radiology Department for mammography
Summary
Mortality has been reduced and survival rates increased in developed countries, mortality rates from breast cancer are still a major health challenge for many developing countries. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentations and mammographic breast density patterns amongst women that presented to the radiology department for mammography at a national referral hospital. A previous study conducted in Uganda reported breast cancer incidence at 22: 100,000 with a five year survival rate of 56 % [2]. Breast cancer incidence rates showed signs of decrease in Canada in 2002, later studies conducted demonstrated a renewed increase in 2004/2005 [4]. In the UK, survival rates have continued to increase but breast cancer still remains a priority health challenge [6]. In 2008, there were an estimated 30,000 new breast cancer cases in West Africa and 16,000 deaths, while Eastern Africa had an estimated 18,000 new cases and 10,000 deaths [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
