Relationship of Mammographic Parenchymal Patterns to Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Smoking in Alaska Native Women

The purpose is to determine breast cancer risk factors and correlates of mammographic parenchymal patterns among Alaska Native women. A retrospective review was performed of mammograms and mammogram records among 528 sequential screening mammogram examinations performed in Anchorage, Alaska. Mammogram density was classified by American College of Radiology (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) density patterns 1-4 (fat→dense) and by percent density. Clinical data, including risk factors, ethnic group (Indian, Aleut, or Eskimo), and smoking status were obtained. Results were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Of 528 women, 164 were Indian, 155 were Aleut, and 209 were Eskimo. Mean age at first birth was lower and parity higher compared with published data in white women. Breast cancer risk factors were similar across ethnic groups. In multivariate analysis, patient age, parity, hormone replacement therapy, hysterectomy, and history of biopsy were associated, and smoking was not associated with density scores. Aleut and Indian women were less likely to have high-density mammograms than were Eskimo women (P = 0.0448). No significant differences were found between ethnic group for conventional breast cancer risk factors. Mammogram density was associated with age at screening, parity, hormone replacement therapy, hysterectomy, history of biopsy, and ethnicity but not smoking status. Eskimo women had higher mammogram density than Aleuts or Indians.