Incidence of breast developmental anomalies: A study at Sogakope, Ghana

Background : Issues of breast developmental anomalies (BDA) among young females in Sogakope have not been given proper attention due to their ignorance of available treatments. The objective of this study was to identify the most common forms and incidence of BDA among female Junior High School (JHS) students. Method : It was a prospective descriptive study at six selected JHS at Sogakope, South Tongu District Assembly of the Volta Region, Ghana. Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) was performed on both breasts of female JHS students and anonymous pretested questionnaires were administered to those found to have BDA. Demographic and BDA data were recorded and correlated from March 30 – 31, 2006. Result : A total of 550 female students were surveyed, with age between 10 and 22 years. Seventy of them (12.7%) had BDA. Among these, 98.6% had not sought medical attention for their BDA while 80.0% would seek medical treatment for their conditions if it were readily available. Also, 37.1% of the respondents noticed BDA one year prior to the survey. The three most common form of BDA identified were macromastia (40.0%), hypomastia (17.1%) and nipple anomalies (14.3%). Conclusion : The incidence of BDA among the junior high school females in Sogakope is high. Macromastia is the most common form of BDA identified. Prompt education on availability of treatment should be encouraged with emphasis on aesthetic plastic surgery.