People wonder why screening tests are not readily available for more cancers. It can be difficult for people to understand that cancer may be present despite normal test results, and may appear in between screening tests. Errors in screening programmes highlighted in media coverage of quality-assurance initiatives can result in shock and anger for the public. Various studies have demonstrated that screening can have a psychological impact on people taking part in screening programmes.
Anxiety appears to be the most prevalent consequence of mammography.
This anxiety seems to affect particular subgroups, with the most significant effects understandably among women requiring further investigation because of abnormal results. Although increased anxiety levels are a normal reaction, it is unclear how intense or long-standing these effects are. The psychological consequences of receiving an abnormal cervical smear and colposcopy have attracted much interest in recent years. The receipt of an abnormal cervical smear result, and of referral for colposcopy, causes anxiety and distress in a large number of women. Many leaflets and videos are available to inform women about the smear test.