False-Positive Mammograms May Deter Women from Future Screenings: Research Finds
Advertisement
A major, new study led by the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center has found that women who received a false-positive result that required additional imaging or biopsy were less likely to return for that follow-up screening.
The research was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine and analyzed data on more than 3.5 million screening mammograms nationwide performed between 2005-2017 on over 1 million patients aged 40 to 73.
The study found that 77% of women with a negative result from a mammogram returned for subsequent screening. But this percentage dropped to 61% after a false-positive finding requiring another mammogram in six months to confirm the results and 67% if a biopsy was recommended. The impact was even more pronounced for women who received false-positive results on two consecutive mammograms recommending short-interval follow-up -- only 56% returned their next screening mammogram.
The high rate of women who don't return for future screening is concerning to the research team.
The research also showed that Asian and Hispanic/Latinx women were the least likely to return for future screening mammograms after a false positive result, which may contribute to existing health disparities.
False-positive results are common, especially among younger women. They occur in 10-12% of mammograms in women 40-49 years of age. After 10 years of annual screenings, 50-60% of women can expect at least one false-positive, and 7-12% at least one false-positive with a biopsy recommendation.
It is important for women to understand that about 10% of the time, additional imaging is necessary to get a better look at a finding on a screening mammogram.
Reference: Miglioretti, D. L., Abraham, L., Sprague, B. L., Lee, C. I., Bissell, M. C. S., Ho, T.-Q. H., Bowles, E. J. A., Henderson, L. M., Hubbard, R. A., Tosteson, A. N. A., & Kerlikowske, K. (2024). Association between false-positive results and return to screening mammography in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium cohort. Annals of Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.7326/M24-0
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.