Reducing Anxiety About False Positives
SHARE

Fact Checked

SurvivorNet Fact Checking and Medical Review Standards:  

The SurvivorNet News Team creates high quality medical information that complies with our industry leading standards for factual accuracy and sourcing from leading experts at academic medical institutions. Every news article is thoroughly fact-checked by our physician collaborators. We vet each piece of work for factual integrity, impartiality, and clearly label any professional conflicts.

All SurvivorNet articles adhere to the following standards:

  1. All studies and research papers cited are from reputable academic medical institutions or peer-reviewed journals.
  2. When we use data, statistics, or quotes these references link to the original source.
  3. All content related to new treatments, drugs, procedures, and so on must clearly describe availability, side effects, treatment target (such as triple negative breast cancer)
  4. All medical information on SurvivorNet is sourced from respected medical professionals with verified medical credentials and links are provided to these sources.
  5. We strive to give the reader relevant background information and include, clearly-sourced contextual health information in all articles. Readers are clearly alerted to any conflicts of interest from a medical source or the authors of a cited study.
/ Updated May 9th, 2022

Reducing Anxiety About False Positives

Medical Source: Dr. Connie Lehman
Massachusetts General Hospital
×

You have a mammogram but then the doctor calls you back for another test. Further tests show you are fine. There is no cancer. This is called a false positive result. It happens around one in 10 times. It’s more likely if you’re younger or if you have dense breasts. And if you’ve had ten annual mammograms the false positive rate can go as high as 50 percent.

Naturally, this scenario can cause a lot of anxiety and worry, which is perfectly understandable. Having to come face to face with the idea that you may potentially have cancer can be life-altering, and potentially traumatic for you and your loved ones. It should, however, be known that a false positive is very unlikely, and it’s recommended that you should still rely on regular mammograms.

Read More
"Mammography is the best tool we have to find cancer early, but it's not perfect," says Dr. Connie Lehman, Chief of the Breast Imaging Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School. So let’s put this into perspective: while a false positive is possible, it's not probable  and it shouldn’t scare you away from getting regular mammography screening.

Here are some tips to help ensure you get the most accurate test possible:

  1. Go to a large and experienced center that has a good record and reputation.
  2. Don’t wear deodorant on the day of your mammography. It can contribute to inaccuracies.
  3. Keep in mind that certain factors, like dense breasts, tattoos and breast implants, may also result in errors.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

Dr. Connie Lehman is a diagnostic radiologist who specializes in breast cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She was previously the chief of the Breast Imaging Division at Massachusetts General Hospital. She's also a professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School. Read More

Guidelines for Mammograms

Some doctors have differing opinions about when women should begin having regular mammograms we asked top doctors to explain both sides of the debate, and when something like a 3D mammogram may be necessary.

NOW
PLAYING
‘I’ve Lost Aunts, Grandmother to Cancer’ - Singer Mary J. Blige's Emotional Plea for More Women of Color To Overcome Cultural Barriers and Screen Regularly for Cancer
NOW
PLAYING
Sharon Stone's Grand Gestures-- How She Helped Young Leonardo DiCaprio- Her Health Scare & Using Her Platform To Help Cancer Research
NOW
PLAYING
When Should I Get a Mammogram?
NOW
PLAYING
How to Avoid False Positive Cancer Results in Women With Dense Breasts: Ultrasounds Used in Addition To Mammograms
NOW
PLAYING
Breast Cancer Awareness: Learn Your Risk and Listen to the Guidelines
NOW
PLAYING
New Guidelines Say Many Women Under 50 Can Skip Mammograms. That May Not Be The Best Advice

Patient Pathfinder:

Clinical Trial Finder

Are you looking for other treatment options?
Right now there are ... breast cancer trials in the U.S. within 100 miles of

Enter your zip code and travel distance to explore trials in your area...

Continue The Journey

Explore: Symptoms & Diagnosis

Related Articles

Prevention

Kelly Ripa, 53, Jokes About Mammogram Struggles for Women With Small Breasts — Shining Light on How Crucual it is for ALL Women to Access Breast Cancer Screening

Overview

We Loved Maura Tierney, 59, In ‘The Affair’ & ‘ER’- How She Got Through Breast at 44

Overview

‘Barbie’ Doll Inventor’s Other Major Creation: Prosthetic Breasts To Help Women Regain Body Image After Mastectomy

I Should Never Have Had Breast Implants Says Singer SZA, 34, Citing Breast Type & Family Cancer History

×

Introducing, the Journey Bar

Use this bar to access information about the steps in your cancer journey.