A new study led by UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center has found that women who receive false-positive mammogram results are less likely to return for future breast cancer screenings. The research, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, analyzed over 3.5 million screening mammograms from 2005-2017 involving more than 1 million women aged 40-73.
While 77% of women with negative mammogram results returned for subsequent screenings, only 61% returned after a false-positive requiring follow-up imaging, and 67% after a false-positive recommending a biopsy. The effect was even more pronounced for women with consecutive false-positives, with just 56% returning for their next mammogram.
“The finding raises concerns about the potential unintended consequence of false-positive results, where women may avoid screening mammograms in the future,” said lead author Diana Miglioretti from UC Davis.
Importantly, the study revealed racial and ethnic disparities in follow-up screening rates. Asian and Hispanic/Latinx women were the least likely to return after receiving false-positive results, potentially exacerbating existing health inequities.
False-positives are relatively common, affecting 10-12% of mammograms in women aged 40-49. After 10 years of annual screenings, up to 60% of women can expect at least one false-positive result.
Miglioretti emphasized the importance of continued screening, even after false-positives, as these women may have an increased risk of future breast cancer. She recommends that doctors carefully explain false-positive results to patients and stress the importance of ongoing screening to address these concerning trends.
See “False-positive mammograms discourage some women from future screenings” (September 2, 2024)
