EVALUATION OF SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY RESULTS IN A COHORT OF FEMALE HEALTH CARE WORKERS AT THE FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER, ABUJA, NIGERIA

Background: Mammographic screening has significantly reduced breast cancer mortality in developed countries. However, data on screening outcomes in asymptomatic populations in Nigeria remain limited.

Objective: To determine the distribution of BI-RADS categories and breast density patterns among asymptomatic women undergoing screening mammography at Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, Nigeria.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among asymptomatic female staff aged 40 years and above who underwent routine screening mammography at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, in February 2024. Data were obtained from radiology records, categorised by age group, and analysed using descriptive and comparative statistical methods.

Results: Majority of the participants were aged 40–49-years, with a mean age of 47.14 ± 5.37 years. Regarding the breast density, BI-RADS category B (scattered fibroglandular density) was the most common, observed in 49% of participants. In terms of mammographic assessment, BI-RADS category 1 (normal) was the most frequently reported, accounting for 58% of cases. Inferential analysis revealed a significant association between age group and breast density (χ² = 5.545, p = 0.0185), with higher-density breasts more common among younger women, while no significant association was observed between age group and BI-RADS category (χ² = 0.633, p = 0.426).

Conclusion: Screening mammography in this population was predominantly utilised by women under 50 years of age, with normal or benign findings and scattered fibroglandular breast density being most common. The observed association between age and breast density highlights the importance of age-targeted screening strategies. These findings provide insight into breast health patterns and can inform resource-optimised, institution-based screening programs in resource-limited settings.