Mammography: a review of records in the Department of Radiology at a National Referral Hospital in Uganda

INTRODUCTION Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers amongst women world-wide. Although mortality has been reduced and survival rates increased in developed countries, mortality rates from breast cancer are still a major health challenge for many developing countries. In Uganda, there are no screening programmes and in many cases mammography is used for diagnostic purposes. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentations and mammographic breast density patterns amongst women that presented to the radiology department for mammography at a national referral hospital. METHODS This was a retrospective study carried out at Mulago Hospital in Uganda between January 2011 and January 2012. Records for patients who had mammography during this period were reviewed. RESULTS The total number of patients was 382 with a mean age of 46 years. Majority presented with breast pain and masses. Mammograms done were normal in majority of the women with fatty breast density dominating. In Uganda, mammography was mainly performed for diagnostic purposes. CONCLUSION There is no mammography screening programme in Uganda and many women cannot access the service due to its limited availability and costs despite its significance in breast cancer management. There is therefore need for governments in Uganda, but in other areas as well to support regular mammography screening as a way of reducing mortality from breast cancer.