'More positive about mammography' – reactions of women to a false positive recall: a qualitative study of women at risk of familial breast cancer

Excerpt

Annual mammographic screening from the age of 40 is recommended for women in the UK whose family history places them at a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer of ≥ 1:6 [1]. While the clinical benefits of screening younger women at increased risk are not established, emerging evidence suggests screening may lead to increased survival [2]. However, little is understood of the emotional impact of screening on women with a family history. This is particularly important in view of the increased likelihood of recall for further tests in women under 50 years old compared with those over 50 years old [3]. A recent questionnaire study of the psychological impact of mammographic screening on women under 50 years old with a family history of breast cancer showed that, contrary to expectations, women who were recalled for further tests prior to an all-clear result reported significantly more positive feelings post result about screening than women not recalled [4]. This complementary qualitative study explored the value women placed on having joined a programme of regular screening, and sought to understand the reactions of women who had received an initial all-clear result and who had received an all-clear result following further tests. …