The Relationship Between Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Mammographic Density

Abstract

Background: Mammography is the most important evaluation technique for breast cancer screening. The importance of understanding mammographic density becomes evident when considering its relationship with breast cancer risk. There exists a positive correlation between high mammographic density and an increased susceptibility to breast cancer. Therefore, knowing the prevalence of breast density and its associated factors helps consider possible interventions and medical management to alter the density and properly follow up with the patients. Methods: A total of 350 women in Azerbaijan enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patient’s questionnaires included demographic data such as age, weight, height, education, menarche age, menopause status and age, oophorectomy history, marital status, number of successful deliveries, age of first delivery, number of breast-feeding times, duration of breastfeeding, oral contraceptives/ hormone replacement therapy (HRT) usage, menstrual status, familial history of cancer, history of benign breast lesion biopsy, and alcohol/smoking status. The evaluation of breast density was done according to the American College of Radiology grading A to D. Results: The average age of the studied patients was 45.68±6.96 years with a median of 44.5 years. The population of women with breast density above 50% was higher compared to those with low breast density (51.4% versus 48.6%). In women without a history of breastfeeding, the frequency of breast density above 50% was observed in 76.4% of women. Significantly, lower densities were observed during menopause, and higher densities were observed during nonmenopause (P=0.001). Furthermore, no relationship was observed between breast composition and nulliparity, history of oophorectomy, duration of breastfeeding, marital status, menstrual status, and oral contraceptive pill (OCP) consumption. Conclusion: The main risk factors of high breast density include young age, menstrual status (non-menopausal patients), lack of breastfeeding after childbirth, older age of first delivery, and lower body mass index