Mammographic Breast Densities among 200 Nigerian Females in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria

Background: Breast density has been reported to be an independent predictor of breast cancer risk. Women with highest mammographic breast density may have four to six fold increased risk of developing cancer. Aim and Objective: This study is aimed at evaluating the various forms of breast densities following screening and diagnostic mammographic examination. Materials and Methods: From December 2010 and November 2012, 200 females had mammographic breast examination. Seventy-seven (77) females had routine screening mammography while 123 had diagnostic mammographic examination in the department with the General Electric (GE) Alpha-RT machine with model number MGF-101(manufactured 2010). All the subjects had to fill a mammographic form consisting of variables like age, sex, occupation, family history of breast cancer, tribe, contraception, parity, and caffeine consumption, history of surgical intervention (lumpectomy, biopsy and/or mastectomy), previous mammography and last child birth. MLO and CC views were done for the breast examination though additional views were occasionally employed. Results: Breast density decreases with increase in age of the female subjects and breast lesions are better detected following mammography on fatty or less dense breast.