Mammographic Density Distribution in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK): Relationships with Demographic and Reproductive Factors

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Mammographic density is a key breast cancer risk factor and impacts screening effectiveness.
• Understanding regional variations in mammographic density is crucial for targeted screening strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish baseline mammographic density data for women in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).
• To identify demographic and lifestyle risk factors associated with high mammographic density in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 366 mammography cases.
• Mammographic density assessed using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS).
• Statistical analyses included chi-squared, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• 67% of participants had BI-RADS b and c density categories.
• Younger age (≤45), lower weight (≤71kg), lower BMI (≤27 kg/m²), and non-Arab ethnicity were associated with denser breasts.
• Emirati women had significantly lower odds of dense breast tissue compared to Western women.

Conclusions:

• Younger age, lower BMI, non-Arab ethnicity, full-time employment, Christian faith, nulliparity, fewer children, and longer oral contraceptive use are linked to higher mammographic density.
• Emirati women exhibit a low mammographic density profile, supporting the effectiveness of screening mammography for early detection in this demographic.