Mammographic breast density classification among Ghanaian population.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Breast density is a known breast cancer risk factor, but data from African populations is scarce.
• This study addresses the need for breast density evaluation in Ghana to inform screening policies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate breast density classification in patients undergoing mammography in Ghana.
• To assess inter- and intraobserver reliability in breast density assessment.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 960 mammograms from 245 Ghanaian patients (2020).
• Two experienced radiologists assessed breast density using the 5th edition of Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS).
• Cohen kappa statistic calculated inter- and intraobserver reliability; compressed breast thickness and age were recorded.

Main Results:

• Majority of patients had 'almost entirely fatty' breasts (62.0-63.3%).
• Few patients had 'extremely dense' breasts (3.7-4.5%).
• High inter- and intraobserver reliability observed (κ = 0.844, κ = 0.892), indicating consistent assessments.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists demonstrated high consistency in breast density classification.
• The reliable BI-RADS assessments can inform breast cancer risk stratification and clinical decision-making for asymptomatic individuals in Ghana.