20 Evaluating Number, Age, and Radiographic BIRADS of Patients Visiting Mammography Unit in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2019, 2020, and 2021: A Retrospective Study

Background

Breast cancer is the most commonly registered cancer in Iraq, and 67.9% of patients present with stage III or IV disease, with 45% of patients presenting before the age of 50 years. Breast mammography represents the best screening tool in patients aged above 35 to 40 years of age. The objectives of this study are to find the number of patients having mammography and evaluate their age and radiography based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) 0 to 6 score to provide baseline data for future screening programs and to direct appropriate resources.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted retrospectively in an oncology teaching hospital from the period September 2019 to January 2022. The data were collected from the radiology unit. The records included data from patients who visited the unit for mammography. Patients were either on regular follow-up due to previous breast issues or had breast complaints for which a clinician referred them for mammography. The data were collected and administered using Excel and analyzed with Python programming language version 3.1. Data were analyzed using a 95% confidence interval and the study was approved by the ethical committee.

Results

The number of patients who had a diagnostic or follow-up mammography was 4838. The mean age was 50.93 ±9.5 years (range, 14-95), with 75% of patients being younger than 57 years. In total, 35.96% of patients had BIRADS 1 status and 16% had BIRADS 4 or 5 status. Of the 35.79% who were on regular follow-up mammography, 75% had BIRADS 1 or 2 and 10% had BIRADS 3. The most crowded days were Sunday and Wednesday, which accounted for 49.5% of the total patient appointments weekly.

Conclusion

During the 2 years and 3 months of the study, the center received 4838 patients for mammography, 75% of whom were younger than 57 years. This volume of participants creates a burden on the mammography unit and increases the need for human and financial resources, especially if a screening program is implemented.

Author Affiliations:

Mustafa Majid1, Mohammed Mutar, Sara Sh. Ahmad, Enam Al-Tameemi

Baghdad Medical College of Medicine, Baghdad City Complex; Tel: +964.7729414006; Email: mustafa. majid.1997@gmail.com