Breast density across a regional screening population: effects of age, ethnicity and deprivation.
OBJECTIVE
Breast density (BD) is a recognized risk factor for breast cancer. This study maps density variation across a screening population and identifies demographic distinctions, which may affect density and so impact on cancer development/detection. We focus on the relationship between age, ethnicity and socioeconomic status on density.


METHODS
This retrospective study on a screening population adheres to local patient confidentiality requirements. BD data from screening mammograms (March 2013 to September 2014) were measured using Volpara((®))Density(™) software (Volpara((®))Solutions(™), Wellington, New Zealand). Demographics, including patient age, ethnicity and deprivation index, were obtained from our breast screening database and analysed with respect to breast volume (BV), fibroglandular tissue volume (FGV), Volpara %BD and Volpara Grade (1-4 scale, lowest to highest).


RESULTS
Study population demonstrates little difference for BV with respect to age, but a slight negative trend was noted when FGV was evaluated vs age. Density was linked to ethnicity: females of Chinese ethnicity had higher BD largely reflecting their lower BV. Females in the most deprived quintiles tended to have larger and therefore less dense breasts.


CONCLUSIONS
Our mapping of BD in a regional screening programme demonstrates impact of age, ethnicity and socioeconomic status on BD with attendant implications for breast cancer risk.


CONCLUSIONS
BD is a known risk factor for development of breast cancer. Density trends in a large regional screening population with respect to age, ethnicity and socioeconomics may eventually help identify the risk of breast cancer in certain subsets of the population.
Department of Radiology, St. George's Hospital, London, UK.
Samantha L
SL
Heller
Department of Radiology, St. George's Hospital, London, UK.
Sue
S
Hudson
Department of Radiology, St. George's Hospital, London, UK.
Louise S
LS
Wilkinson
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001940:Breast / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D012984:Software