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"False alarm" mammography results--how do women react?
1The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA.
LDI Issue Brief
|April 8, 2003
Summary
False-positive mammograms can deter women from attending future screenings. Understanding these psychological effects is crucial for improving breast cancer screening adherence.
Area of Science:
- Health psychology
- Medical marketing
- Preventive care
Background:
- Preventive care guidelines recommend mammograms for women 40+.
- Research on mammogram adherence is limited, especially regarding repeat screenings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore psychological effects of false-positive mammograms.
- To assess the impact of false positives on women's willingness for future screenings.
Main Methods:
- Review of marketing science research.
- Analysis of psychological impacts of false-positive results.
Main Results:
- False-positive mammograms are common and often lead to unnecessary anxiety.
- Psychological distress from false positives can negatively affect adherence to future screening appointments.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the psychological impact of false-positive mammograms is vital for maintaining screening compliance.
- Marketing strategies may be needed to encourage women to return for regular mammograms despite prior false alarms.