A quantitative approach to assess the correlation of mammographic breast density with selected affecting factors

Introduction: Breast density plays a significant role in increasing an individual's risk of breast cancer and its mortality rate. Objectives: We aimed to assess the correlations of mammographic breast density with age, body mass index, weight, height and parity for the first time in Sri Lankan women. Methods: 52 participants who underwent diagnostic mammographic examinations at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka were selected for the study. Demographic data and digital mammograms in DICOM format were collected. Mammographic breast density was quantitatively estimated using a validated, semi-automated computer programme devised by the authors using Java programming language. Results: 65.4% of the participants were postmenopausal, and 34.6% were premenopausal. Mammographic breast density showed a significant negative correlation with age (r=-0.40, p < 0.05) and significant positive correlations with body mass index (r = 0.49, p < 0.05) and weight (r=0.52, p <0.05). The study did not find any correlation between mammographic breast density and height. Additionally, it did not find a significant difference between right and left breasts or between parous and nulliparous patients. Mammographic breast density was significantly higher among premenopausal patients compared to postmenopausal patients. Conclusion: Quantitative mammographic breast density demonstrated significant correlations with age, body mass index and weight. The findings of the study will be constructive in predicting breast density in the future and individualizing the breast cancer screening requirements based on the breast density without radiation exposure for females in Sri Lanka.