Screening mammography in Ibadan: Our experience

Abstract

Background: Early detection is an essential step in decreasing the mortality and morbidity of breast cancer. Mammography is a proven effective tool for early breast cancer detection. It has high sensitivity and specificity and remains the gold standard for breast cancer screening. This study aims at describing the findings at screening mammography in women in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A prospective descriptive single centre study of 568 asymptomatic women who had screening mammography over a 5 year period (2006–2011) in the Department of Radiology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Two views; the cranio-caudal and the medio-lateral oblique views were obtained. Mammographic findings were reported using the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon and assigned a final BI-RADS category according to overall findings. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science SPSS Inc. Released 2008. SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 17.0. Chicago USA: SPSS Inc. Results: A total of 568 women participated in the study with age range from 22 to 82 years (mean 47.8 years). About a third (35.6%) of the women were post-menopausal; and a positive family history of breast cancer was reported in 28 (6.2%) women. The most frequent mammographic breast pattern was BI-RADS I (fatty replaced) in 181 (36.5%) women. Two hundred and twenty women had final BI-RADS category of two (benign), with 49% being fibroadenomas. Over 70% of 164 women called back for diagnostic work up absconded for various socioeconomic and religious factors. Nine women with suspicious breast masses were detected and had treatment constituted immediately. Conclusion: Mammography is just gaining ground in Nigeria; future increased patronage by women is anticipated with intense advocacy and widespread breast cancer awareness.