Radiation doses and potential cancer risks during mammography procedures at southern Saudi Arabia

Background: This study aimed at estimating the mean glandular dose (MGD) and cancer risks during mammography examinations. Materials and Methods: The patients underwent three projections per breast: using craniocaudal (CC), mediolateral oblique (MLO) and mediolateral (ML) projections in a calibrated digital mammography unit at Najran University Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia. A total of 510 mammograms were performed, using the three views per breast. The MGD values were estimated indirectly from the entrance surface air Kerma (ESAK) and half-value layer (HVL) based on the conversion factors reported in the literature. The breast cancer risks were estimated based on the data available in the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) publication 103. Results: Mean breast thickness of 4.4, 5.3 and 5.0 cm and MGD of 1.01±0.3, 1.09±0.2 and 1.09±0.2 mGy were noted for CC, MLO, and ML views, respectively. A significant correlation has been observed between breast thickness and MGD as well as applied exposure factors. Moreover, the results indicated that the cancer risk per projection was estimated to be 178 x106, which can be significant during repeated exposure to these examinations. Conclusion: The comparison with the published data of the countries reported in this study revealed that the mean MGD is comparable or less compared to previous studies. However, young patients required a precise justification. The results are useful for national and professional organisations. Moreover, the results of MGD in Najran could be a helpful guide to the local authorities.