The relationship between breast density, age, and mammographic lesion type among Chinese breast cancer patients from a large clinical dataset.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between breast density, age, and mammographic lesion type among Chinese breast cancer patients included in a large clinical dataset.

METHODS

A review of mammographic images acquired between July 2014 and June 2017 from a total of 9716 retrospectively registered breast cancer patients was conducted. Mammographic breast density was defined according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR BI-RADS) 4-class density rating. Mammographic lesion types were defined according to the ACR BI-RADS, including mass, mass with calcifications, calcifications, architectural distortion/asymmetries, and architectural distortion/asymmetries with calcifications. Three experienced breast radiologists interpreted all mammograms. The chi-square (χ) test and Pearson correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationship between breast density, age, and mammographic lesion type.

RESULTS

A significant inverse relationship was observed between the BI-RADS breast density rating given by radiologists and patient age (r = - 0.521, p < 0.01). The breast density distribution in breast cancer patients from China reversed at the age of 55 years, and exhibited one age peak in the age 55-59 year group. The percentage of lesions with calcifications decreased with increasing age (p < 0.01), and increased with increasing breast density (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In general, we identified a relationship between patient breast density, age, and mammographic lesion type. This finding may provide a basis for clinical diagnoses and support development of breast cancer screening programs in China.