Mammographic breast density : is there any association with positive family history of breast cancer?

• Main Authors: Muhammed Nordin, Ellyda, Mohd Rus, Razman, Che Mohamed, Siti Kamariah, Hassan, Radhiana
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: R Medicine (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/23374/1/Poster_CoR_April__FINAL.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/23374/; http://www.ams.edu.sg/chapter/crs/2012%20ASM%20%281st%20Ann%29%20-%20Final.pdf

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the commonest overall cancer as well as the commonest cancer in women amongst all races. A higher incidence of breast cancer has been reported in women with dense breast parenchyma visible on mammogram and individuals with a family history of cancer. Previous study has reported that women with a family history of breast cancer tend to have dense breasts and this partially explains their increased risk of breast cancer. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of mammographic density using Tabar classification and association between mammographic density and family history of breast cancer. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective review of data collected from women presenting for screening mammogram at IIUM Breast Centre from January 2008 until December 2009. A total of 506 subjects fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Both cranio-caudal and medio-lateral oblique views were reviewed on the BARCO monitor and the mammographic densities were classified by the interpreting radiologist, using Tabar’s classification system. Family history of breast cancer was defined as having at least one first degree relative (parent, sibling or child) with breast cancer. RESULTS: Out of 506 patients participated, 43.3% of the patients belong to Tabar pattern I; 19.6% Tabar pattern IV; 17.8% Tabar pattern II; 16.8% Tabar pattern III and 2.6% Tabar pattern V. Our result also revealed a significant association between mammographic density and positive family history of breast cancer (p= 0.006). CONCLUSION These results show the population variation in the percentage of dense tissue on mammography and women with higher breast density were more likely to have positive family history of breast cancer. Thus, the genetic factors that determine breast density may determine breast cancer risk.