A recent study from UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center found that women who receive false-positive mammogram results are less likely to return for recommended breast cancer screenings.
The research reviewed over 3.5 million mammograms from more than one million women between 2005 and 2017.
The study showed that while 77% of women who received a true-negative result returned for future screenings, only 61% of those with a false-positive returned within six months.
Furthermore, 67% returned for a recommended biopsy, showing a decline in follow-up adherence among those who had experienced false-positive results.
A false positive occurs when a mammogram shows an abnormal result that prompts further investigation but does not lead to a cancer diagnosis.
According to Dr. Diana Miglioretti, lead study author and professor at UC Davis, women who are recalled for additional imaging, especially those who receive a recommendation for short-interval follow-ups or biopsies, are less likely to return for future screenings.
This trend was especially noticeable among Asian and Hispanic/Latinx women, two groups that have seen rapid increases in breast cancer rates.
The emotional toll of receiving a false-positive result, often referred to as “scanxiety,” can create fear and anxiety about future screenings, even when women initially indicate a willingness to continue.
Researchers stress that women should continue regular breast cancer screenings every one to two years, even after a false-positive result.
The study found that a false positive can sometimes be associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer later in life.
Dr. Miglioretti noted that diagnostic evaluations after a false-positive result are a normal part of the screening process and are essential to ensuring women remain cancer-free.
Experts also advise open communication with healthcare providers to help ease the anxiety associated with abnormal results.
Dr. Tingting Tan, an oncologist, noted that while false positives are common—occurring in 10% to 12% of mammograms for women aged 40 to 49—mammograms remain the “gold standard” for early breast cancer detection and significantly reduce mortality rates.
Although the study was comprehensive, there were some limitations.
The researchers evaluated only the two most recent screening mammograms for each woman, potentially overlooking earlier false-positive results.
Additionally, the data was gathered from facilities participating in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium, meaning some women may have received care at non-participating facilities.
Despite the study’s limitations, it reinforces the need for women to maintain regular breast cancer screenings, even after a false-positive result.
Early detection plays a key role in catching cancer in its early stages, and staying informed through open communication with healthcare providers can help ensure timely follow-ups.