Psychological and behavioral implications of abnormal mammograms

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Mammograms are crucial for early breast cancer detection.
• Abnormal mammogram results can cause significant psychological distress in women.
• Understanding these responses is key to promoting continued screening adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess women's psychological reactions to abnormal mammograms.
• To determine the impact of these reactions on mammography adherence.
• To identify predictors of adherence in women undergoing mammography.

Main Methods:

• A survey study was conducted with prospective analysis.
• Participants included women aged 50+ from a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).
• Women with normal, low-suspicion, and high-suspicion mammograms (excluding cancer) were assessed 3 months post-mammogram.

Main Results:

• High-suspicion mammograms led to anxiety (47%) and worry (41%), impacting mood and function.
• Adherence rates for subsequent annual mammograms were 68% (normal), 78% (low-suspicion), and 74% (high-suspicion).
• Prior mammogram history and breast cancer concerns independently predicted adherence.

Conclusions:

• A significant number of women experience psychological distress following suspicious mammograms, even with benign results.
• This psychological sequelae did not negatively influence subsequent mammography adherence.
• Predictors of adherence include previous mammography frequency and concerns about breast cancer outcomes.