How Does a Woman's Reproductive and Breast-Feeding History, Weight, Height, Body Mass Index, Breast Size and Breast Density Affect The Radiation Dose She Takes During Mammography?

INTRODUCTION: Mammography is the screening test for breast carcinoma. The radiation dose received during this imaging has always been a point of consideration. The aim of this study is to search the relation of radiation dose received during mammographic imaging and the patient's age, menarche age, menopause age, childbirth history, total time of breastfeeding, height, weight, body mass index, mammographic breast density pattern and breast size.
METHODS: Patients applying for mammography imaging were questioned about their menarche age, menopause status and age and their weight, height, and breast upper and inferior mammary fold sizes were measured. Their mammographic breast density and radiation doses were recorded. Statistical analysis was made with ANOVA and Pearson correlation.
RESULTS: Breast size, weight, body mass index are found to be related to the radiation dose received during mammography. Age, number of given births, weight, body mass index and breast size have an effect on the mammographic breast density, which is a factor in both developing and diagnosing breast carcinoma.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Breast density on mammography can show differences according to the patient's reproductive history and body stature. Radiation dose taken during a mammography is found to be affected by body mass index and breast size. Breast tissue with increased adipose tissue is suitable for mammographic imaging in the aspect of radiation exposure.