A false-positive result in mammography refers to an indication that seems like breast cancer, but ultimately is determined to be benign.
When this happens to women, it creates tremendous anxiety and can discourage some from getting future screening mammograms.
A false-positive result often leads to more imaging, along with biopsies.
A study led by the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center examined this issue.
Published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the paper by the researchers analyzed over 3.5 million screening mammograms conducted from 2005 to 2017, involving more than one million patients 40 to 73.
The study reveals a concerning trend: Women who received false-positive results were less likely to return for future screenings.
What did the study find?
The study found that 77% of women with negative mammogram results returned for subsequent screenings.
However, this figure dropped to 61% for those who received a false-positive result requiring follow-up in six months and to 67% for those who were recommended for a biopsy.
The decline was even more significant for women with two consecutive false positives, where only 56% returned for their next screening.
This decrease in follow-up screenings is troubling, as it suggests that women may avoid essential screenings after experiencing anxiety from false-positive results.
Lead study author Diana Miglioretti emphasizes that it is vital for women who receive false-positive results to continue regular screenings every one to two years, as those with benign breast disease have an increased risk of developing breast cancer later on.
The study also highlights disparities in follow-up rates among different demographic groups. Asian and Hispanic/Latinx women were the least likely to return for future screenings after receiving a false-positive result, which could contribute to existing health inequalities.
False-positive results are particularly common among younger women.
- About 10-12% of mammograms for women aged 40-49 result in a false positive, and over a decade of annual screenings, 50-60% of women can expect at least one false-positive finding, with 7-12% receiving a recommendation for a biopsy.
Miglioretti stresses that most women who were called back for additional imaging do not have breast cancer.
Receiving a call for follow-up imaging is a routine part of the screening process and there’s no need to panic.
For those who feel anxious while awaiting mammogram results, Miglioretti suggests asking for an on-the-spot interpretation if available.
Some facilities offer this service, which can provide immediate reassurance and clarity.
Another way to help relieve anxiety is to remind oneself that the cure rate is excellent for breast cancer that’s caught early.
Putting off mammograms out of fear “what they’ll find” won’t make a tumor disappear.
But the earlier the patient learns they have cancer in a breast, the BETTER the prognosis!
Lorra Garrick is a former personal trainer certified through the American Council on Exercise. At Bally Total Fitness she trained women and men of all ages for fat loss, muscle building, fitness and improved health.
.
