False-Positive Mammograms: A Barrier to Annual Screening?
Creators: name: University Of California Office Of The President
Publisher: name: University of California Office of the President
publisherIdentifier: https://ror.org/00dmfq477
publisherIdentifierScheme: ROR
Year: 2024

description: This research proposes to measure the extent and assess the psychological and behavioral impacts of false-positive mammography results among underserved African American women. Studies continue to show that African American women have a lower incidence of breast cancer but a disproportionately high rate of mortality from this disease compared to white women. Late stage at diagnosis has been one of the main factors cited for this disparity. Evidence suggests that even though African American women have increased use of initial mammography screening, they may not adhere to recommended annual screening over time. Additionally, the low incidence of breast cancer, combined with greater use of initial screening is expected to yield numerous false-positive results among African American women. Due to the problems poor women encounter in trying to obtain medical care, it is the hypothesis of this study that the experience of a false-positive mammogram combined with all that is involved in resolving the abnormality is a deterrent to subsequent screening, and thus may be a factor in disproportionate mortality among African American women.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 This study seeks to: 1) analyze the distribution of false-positive mammography results across racial/ethnic groups of underserved women; 2) establish the positive predictive value (PPV) of the BCCCP (Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program) mammography screening (PPV is the likelihood that an abnormal mammogram has actually detected cancer); 3) assess the relationship between false-positive results and subsequent screening practices; and 4) identify the psychological and behavioral impact of false-positives in African American women.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Using data from the State of California's BCCCP, a cross-sectional analysis (i.e., assessment of data at one point in time) will compare rates of false positive mammograms across race/ethnic groups for the period 1992 to 1997. Second, a cohort study of BCCCP participants who have had false positive mammograms will be followed up for a period of three years to assess the relationship of the false-positive and subsequent screening. Third, a telephone interview of 100 African American women who had a false-positive and a matched sample of 100 whose results were normal will be conducted to compare the attitudes, intentions, and behaviors of these two groups and to further illuminate the potential impact of the result on routine screening.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Innovative interventions directed at populations most at risk for false-positives can improve and expand the early detection of breast cancer. This intervention can lay the basis for the development of educational material about false-positive mammography screening. Better informed and educated women can improve and expand their cancer screening practices. Research that addresses the racial disparity in breast cancer mortality can be instrumental in reducing human toll and misery from this disease.