Recall mammography and psychological distress

The aims of this study were (a) to identify psychological distress before and after being diagnosed with or without cancer in women recalled for further investigation because previous screening mammography indicated possible malignancy and (b) to document the willingness to attend and recommend mammography. Study participants included 526 recalled women (82% response) who completed a questionnaire before the recall mammogram and 4 weeks after receiving the result. Psychological distress was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Most subjects were diagnosed without cancer (87.6% false-positive rate). Recall after mammography among women with a false-positive mammogram was associated with transiently increased anxiety and a slight increase in depression. However, the level of anxiety was similar to and the level of depression was lower than in the general female Norwegian population. Women who received a cancer diagnosis had higher levels of anxiety and depression than the general female Norwegian population. Nearly all women (99%) were satisfied with their participation in the screening programme; 94% thought it was important, 98% would attend the next round of screening and 99% would recommend other women to attend.

Recall after mammography was associated with transiently increased anxiety. Four weeks after screening, the level of anxiety was the same and depression was lower compared with the general female Norwegian population. The women were almost unanimously satisfied with their participation in the screening, would participate again and would recommend other women to participate.