ORIGINAL: Practice of Mammography in a Private Nigerian Cancer Foundation: Our Experience

West Afr J Med April 2024; 41(4):381-386 PMID: 39002165

Abstract

Background: Despite the proven effectiveness of mammography in screening and early breast cancer detection, there is still a huge disparity in both access to breast care and the quality of services provided in Nigeria. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have attempted to bridge this gap through awareness campaigns and subsidized breast imaging services.

Objectives: To document the mammographic findings of adult females in a private NGO and assess the benefits of mammography practice in our locality.

Material and methods: This was a retrospective evaluation of mammographic examinations carried out over a two-year period (January 2020- December 2021) in a private cancer foundation in Abuja, Nor t h Ce nt r al Nigeria. Demographic details, clinical and mammographic features were analyzed with a statistical level of significance set at p≤0.05.

Result: The age range of 565 women evaluated in this study was 31-84 years with the majority (55.7%) of them in the 40-49 year range. More than half (52.7%) of the women had had at least one previous mammogram. Screening was the predominant indication for mammograms in 361 women (63.9%) while 204(36.1%) were symptomatic. Breast pain (59.6%) and breast lump (26.3%) were the most common clinical indications. The predominant breast density pattern was the American College of Radiologists Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System (ACR BIRADS) type B (Scattered fibroglandular densities) in 241 women (42.7%). Mammogram was normal in 206 women (34.7%) while 52 (8.8%) had intraparenchymal findings. The final assessment showed that most of the mammograms were BIRADS category 1(69.6%) and 2(13.8%) signifying normal and benign findings. Body mass index, parity, age at first pregnancy, menopausal status, and breast density had significant relationships with the final BIRADS category.

Conclusion: Mammography is an invaluable part of breast care in our locality. Evaluation of mammographic services in our private NGO showed a predominance of screening mammography while a majority of the women with symptomatic breast diseases had normal and benign findings.