WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Mayada Thamer Abdullah, Alhan H. Sultan and Jawad K. Al- Diwan

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast cancer ranks as a leading cancer in women, and screening through mammography hasenhanced patient outcomes. The current research aims to understand breast density patterns and associated factorsin Iraqi women to optimize screening and risk assessment. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with400 women from Al Elwiya Teaching Hospital for Maternity, from October 1–December 1, 2022. After excluding100 participants due to incomplete data, sociodemographic, reproductive, and mammographic details of 300women were analyzed. Mammographic density was categorized based on American College of Radiologyguidelines, and BMI was computed. Results: The study revealed that 38% of participants had scattered fibroglandular density, 33.5% were heterogeneously dense, 16% extremely dense, and 12.5% almost entirely fatty. Agedemonstrated a clear influence on breast density, with younger women predominantly showing heterogeneousdensity. Notably, parity influenced breast density, with nulliparous women more often having heterogeneousdense breasts, and those with multiple parities leaning towards scattered fibro glandular density. Early menarcheand breastfeeding duration also correlated with specific breast density patterns. Significantly, a family history ofbreast cancer showed a notable association with mammographic density. Conclusion: Breast density, pivotal inmammographic interpretation, is influenced by age, reproductive factors, and family history of breast cancer in thestudied Iraqi population. Contrarily, BMI, contraceptive use, and smoking did not exhibit significant associationswith breast density. This study provides insights for tailoring breast cancer screening and risk assessmentstrategies for Iraqi women.