No abstract

Given that up to 10% of women are recalled for further investigations on first round screening, significant numbers of women may have psychological consequences. This speaks for the necessity for accurate reading of mammograms to minimise the false positive recall rate, and for counselling services to be available at recall assessment centres.

No abstract

The aims of the study were to describe levels of discomfort experienced by women undergoing screening mammography; examine correlates of discomfort experienced and to examine whether the degree of discomfort experienced was perceived as a deterrent for re-screening. The study involved ninety five attenders at the pilot mammography screening program in Melbourne, Victoria. Women completed a questionnaire one or two days after having a screening mammogram. Pain was assessed on a seven point scale. Information was obtained on a number of possible correlates such as breast tenderness, perceptions of the service received and expectations of discomfort. Eighty-eight women were re-interviewed three months later about recall of discomfort and whether this would deter them from future mammography. Results were as follows: Thirty per cent of women reported no discomfort, 60% mild or moderate discomfort and 10% severe discomfort or worse. The degree of discomfort reported was not significantly related to age, breast tenderness in the previous three days, previous symptoms, previous mammographic experience, or outcome of visit. The degree of discomfort was related to retrospectively reported expectation of discomfort (r = .336; p = .001); reported lack of confidence in the staff taking the X-ray (r = .184; p = .039); perceptions of awkwardness (r = .175; p = .049) and unpleasantness (r = .297; p = .002) of the examination position. No woman said discomfort would definitely stop her having another screening mammogram. Three per cent said that it might stop them, while 97% of women said that it would not stop them at all.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)