# Association between Family History of Breast Cancer and Breast Density in Saudi Premenopausal Women Participating in Mammography Screening

## TL;DR

This study finds that Saudi premenopausal women with a family history of breast cancer are more likely to have dense breast tissue, which increases cancer risk.

## Contribution

The study is the first to explore the link between family history of breast cancer and mammographic density in Saudi premenopausal women.

## Key findings

- Women with a family history of breast cancer had an 87% higher chance of having dense breast tissue.
- A positive family history in mothers was strongly associated with dense tissue (adjusted OR: 5.6).

## Abstract

Background: Mammographic density and family history of breast cancer (FHBC) are well-established independent factors affecting breast cancer risk; however, the association between these two risk factors in premenopausal-screened women remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between mammographic density and FHBC among Saudi premenopausal-screened women. Methods: A total of 446 eligible participants were included in the study. Mammographic density was assessed qualitatively using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS 4th edition). Logistic regression models were built to investigate the relationship between mammographic density and FHBC. Results: Women with a family history of breast cancer demonstrated an 87% greater chance of having dense tissue than women without a family history of breast cancer (95% CI: 1.14–3.08; p = 0.01). Having a positive family history for breast cancer in mothers was significantly associated with dense tissue (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 5.6; 95% CI: 1.3–24.1; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Dense breast tissue in Saudi premenopausal women undergoing screening may be linked to FHBC. If this conclusion is replicated in larger studies, then breast cancer risk prediction models must carefully consider these breast cancer risk factors.