Investigating the Factors Affecting the Mammographic Density of Breast Tissue in Patients Referred to the Breast Cancer Research Center, Iran

Introduction: Of the factors leading to false negative results in mammography is breast tissue density, and by increasing the density of breast tissue in mammography, the mammography sensitivity decreases. On the other hand, increasing the breast tissue density leads to increased risk of breast cancer. Various factors such as inheritance, genetics, hormonal and reproductive factors, and nutritional factors can affect the breast density, but the definitive cause of this issue is unknown. This study investigated the possible factors influencing the increase in breast tissue density in mammography. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 428 patients were enrolled; the demographic questionnaire on variables included age, body mass index (BMI), fertility, age of menarche, taking oral contraceptive pills (OCP), menstrual status and breast size, which were completed and evaluated. To determine the relationship between the studied variables and the breast density in mammography, chi-squared test and logistic regression were used. Results: The results showed significant correlation in age of less than 50 years, small breast cup size, low BMI, and the premenopausal status with dense view in mammography (P < 0.001). No significant relationship was observed in OCP consumption and menarche age with dense view in mammography (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Higher breast density in premenopausal women with low BMI may lower the sensitivity of mammography. This can underscore the importance and necessity of further controls with short intervals as well as the use of other tools for diagnosing breast cancer in these groups of patients.