Relationship between Mammographic Density and Age in the United Arab Emirates Population

Young-Joon Kang,Eunyoung Ko,Seung Ja Kim,Hyeyoung Oh,Jaihong Han,Soo Kyung Ahn

doi:10.1155/2019/7351350

Abstract

Objective Higher breast density is a strong, independent risk factor for breast cancer. Breast density varies by age, ethnicity, and geographic area although dense breast tissue has been associated with younger age and premenopausal status. The relationship between breast density and age in women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has not been determined. This study evaluated breast density in the UAE population and its relationship with age. Methods Women participating in the national cancer screening program from August 2015 to May 2018 who underwent screening mammography were included. Breast parenchymal density was classified according to the American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) from category a (almost entirely fatty) through d (extremely dense). Subjects were divided into six age groups, and the association between age and breast density was evaluated. Results Of the 4911 women included, 1604 (32.7%), 2149 (43.8%), 1055 (21.5%), and 103 (2.1%) were classified as having categories a–d breast density, respectively. A significant negative correlation was observed between age and breast density category (p < 0.001). Women of mean age 44 ± 7 years had the highest breast density, whereas those of mean age 56 ± 14 years had the lowest breast density. Comparisons of Emirati women with Lebanese and Western women showed that breast density was lower in Emirati women than in the other populations. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the relationship between mammographic breast density and age in UAE women. As in other populations, age was inversely related to breast density, but the proportion of Emirati women with dense breasts was lower than in other populations. Because this study lacked demographic, clinical, and histopathological data, further evaluation is required.

Highlights

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in developed countries and a major cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide
Each mammographic report included an assessment of breast density, as defined by the American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS)
Breast density was divided into four categories, with category a indicating breasts that were predominantly fatty; b indicating scattered fibroglandular density; c indicating heterogeneously dense breasts, which may obscure small masses; and d indicating extremely dense breast tissue, which reduces the sensitivity of mammography

Summary

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in developed countries and a major cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Emirati women, accounting for 38.8% of all malignancies in 2014, including both citizens (32.16%) and noncitizens (41.41%) of the UAE [2]. Screening mammography is an effective tool for detecting early breast cancer, thereby reducing rates of morbidity and mortality [4]. Higher breast density has been strongly associated with decreased mammographic sensitivity [5]. Higher breast density on mammography is strongly and reproducibly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, especially in younger women [6,7,8]. Postmenopausal changes in glandular breast tissue reduce breast density in an age-dependent manner

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion