Exploring bilateral breast size and density asymmetry: Insights from the saudi screening population

Abstract

Background/objectives

The swift appearance of asymmetry in breast size and density has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and other pathological changes. However, the occurrence of breast asymmetry and the factors influencing it have not been extensively studied among healthy, screened women in the Saudi population. Thus, this study aims to explore bilateral breast asymmetry in breast size and density among healthy, screened Saudi women and factors affecting the asymmetry.

Methods

Data of 1048 out of 1173 eligible women screened between 2012 and 2018 were extracted from Sheikh Mohammed Hussien AL-Amoudi Center of Excellence in Breast Cancer. The Laboratory for Individualized Radiodensity Assessment (LIBRA) software was used to measure percent density, dense area, and total area of breast from mammograms. Paired t-test was used to examine asymmetry between right and left breasts, and stratified analysis was performed to investigate the factors associated with breast asymmetry.

Results

No significant differences were observed between the right and left breasts in percent density, dense area, and total breast area (p ≥ 0.2). However, for participants who never breastfed, the right breast area was slightly larger (average: 207.9 cm²) than the left breast (average: 202.8 cm²); p = 0.008.

Conclusion

There were no significant differences found in the density, and size of the right and left breasts. However, women who breastfed tended to have slightly larger right breasts.