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East and Central African Journal of Surgery
Association of Surgeons of East Africa and College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa
ISSN: 1024-297X EISSN: 1024-297X
Vol. 17, No. 1, 2012, pp. 98-103
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Bioline Code: js12018
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Vol. 17, No. 1, 2012, pp. 98-103
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Breast Density as a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer amongst a Cohort of Women in Uganda.
Gathara, J.; Galukande, M. & Kiguli-Malwadde, E.
Abstract
Background: The incidence of breast cancer in Uganda has nearly tripled in three decades, the reasons not wholly understood. Country specific evidence is needed to better understand associated risk factors. Breast density is a strong predictor of breast cancer risk in Caucasian populations. The aim of this study was to establish whether increased breast density is a
contributory risk factor for breast cancer amongst black African women.
Methods: A case control study carried out at the National Referral and teaching Hospital,
Mulago in Kampala Uganda over a 6 months period. All patients who presented for breast
cancer screening and underwent a mammography breast examination during the study period
had their breast densities measured using the BI-RADS classification were eligible. Those
diagnosed with breast cancer during the period formed the cases and those who had a normal
breast examination formed the controls. Mulago receives patients from all over the country but
more so from the central part, owing to its location (proximity). Prevalence of high breast
density between the two groups was compared using cross tabulations and an association
between high breast density and breast cancer was defined. Prior ethical approval was
obtained.
Results: The prevalence of high breast density (Grade III & IV) among this cohort of East
African women was 39% (52/135) overall; with a distribution of 51% (26/46) among the cases
and 29% (26/89) among the controls There was a positive association between HBD and breast
cancer with odds ratio of 3.15.
Conclusion: High breast density seems to be associated with breast cancer among this group of
East African black women. Although prevalence of high breast density was comparable to some
of the studies done in Caucasian populations, there was an unexpected inverse relationship
between HBD, high parity and early age of first pregnancy.
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© Copyright 2012 - East and Central African Journal of Surgery
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