Early detection of breast cancer through mammograms is vital for effective treatment. However, a recent study by researchers at the University of California-Davis (UC Davis) found that false-positive results—where a mammogram suggests cancer that isn’t there—can deter women from returning for future screenings.
What Are False-Positive Mammograms about Breast Cancer?
A mammogram is an x-ray scan used to detect early signs of breast cancer. Sometimes, the results show abnormalities that may not be cancerous. This leads to additional imaging tests or even biopsies to confirm the findings. Often, these follow-up tests reveal no cancer, making the original result a false positive.
The Effect on Women’s Decisions
The study analyzed over 3.5 million screening mammograms from more than 1 million women aged 40 to 73. It found that 77% of women with a clear result returned for their next mammogram. However, only 61% of women with a false-positive result, which required another mammogram within six months, returned for future screenings. If a biopsy was recommended due to a false-positive result, the return rate slightly improved to 67%.
The numbers were even lower for women who experienced false-positive results on two consecutive mammograms, with only 56% returning for their next screening.
Why Continued Screening is Essential?
Despite the fear and inconvenience, it’s important for women who receive a false-positive result to keep up with regular mammograms. Miglioretti emphasized that having a false-positive, particularly one that leads to a diagnosis of benign breast disease, can increase the risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
In younger women aged 40-49, false-positive results occur in about 10-12% of mammograms. After ten years of annual screenings, 50-60% of women may experience at least one false-positive result, and 7-12% may face a false-positive with a biopsy recommendation.
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While a false-positive can be stressful, it’s a normal part of the process, and continuing regular mammograms is crucial for early detection and better treatment outcomes.
