Health
Breast cancer screenings may decline for women who receive false-positive test results, says study
High rates of false positive test results may be keeping women from sticking to recommended mammogram screenings for breast cancer, a new study has found.
Researchers from UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center in Sacramento, California, reviewed more than 3.5 million screening mammograms performed among more than one million women between 2005 and 2017.
Women who received a true-negative result were more likely to return for future screenings, with a 77% compliance rate.
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By comparison, among those who received a false positive, only 61% returned for another mammogram in six months, and 67% returned for a recommended biopsy. (A false positive occurs when a mammogram shows an abnormal result that is investigated further, but does not lead to a cancer diagnosis.)
The women, who ranged in age from 40 to 73, had not previously received a breast cancer diagnosis.
High rates of false positives may be keeping women from sticking to recommended mammogram screenings for breast cancer, a new study has found. (iStock)
The study findings were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on Sept. 3.
Surprising findings
“We found that women were less likely to return for another screening mammogram if they were recalled for additional imaging that did not result in a cancer diagnosis, especially if that recall resulted in a recommendation for a short-interval follow-up or biopsy or if they experienced false-positive exams on two consecutive screening mammograms,” lead study author Dr. Diana Miglioretti, a professor and division chief of biostatistics in the UC Davis School of Medicine’s Department of Public Health Sciences, told Fox News Digital.
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Miglioretti said she was surprised by the findings, as surveys have suggested that women believe they would be just as likely to continue screening even after a false-positive result.
“However, something about the experience seems to influence their actual behavior, and despite their intentions to return, some do not,” she added.
A false positive occurs when a mammogram shows an abnormal result that is investigated further, but does not lead to a cancer diagnosis. (iStock)
Another surprising element, Miglioretti said, was that a false-positive recommendation for a short-interval follow-up — meaning the patient needs to return in six months for diagnostic imaging to evaluate changes in the abnormal finding — had the greatest impact on a woman’s likelihood of not returning for future screenings.
“I initially expected that the probability of returning would be lowest for those who had undergone a benign biopsy,” she said.
“Approximately 10% of screening mammograms require diagnostic work-up, and most women called back for further imaging do not have breast cancer.”
“However, even after following women for five years after a false-positive result, women who received a short-interval follow-up recommendation were the least likely to return for future screening mammograms.”
Asian and Hispanic/Latinx women were least likely to return for future screenings after a false positive.
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“This is extremely concerning, as recent trends have conveyed a much faster rate of growth in breast cancer rates in this demographic than in other ethnic and racial groups,” Dr. Tingting Tan, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist and hematologist at City of Hope Newport Beach in California, told Fox News Digital.
(Tan was not involved in the study.)
“There is a 52% rise in breast cancer rates in the last two decades among Asian-American and Pacific Islander women under the age of 50.”
What to know about false positives
A false positive occurs when a mammogram shows an abnormal result that is investigated further, but does not lead to a cancer diagnosis.
“Following the mammogram, the results will either come back as clear (known as a true negative) or will be flagged for additional testing,” Tan said.
Some common causes of false positives include dense breast tissue, small calcium deposits in the breast, overlapping breast tissue that creates shadows or normal variations in breast tissue. (iStock)
Some common causes of false positives, according to UC Davis, include dense breast tissue, small calcium deposits in the breast, overlapping breast tissue that creates shadows, or normal variations in breast tissue.
False-positive results occur in 10% to 12% of mammograms for women between 40 and 49 years of age, UC Davis noted.
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Within a decade of annual screenings, up to 60% of women experience at least one false positive result.
As a breast cancer specialist, Tan said she often hears the term “scanxiety” to describe the fear that is associated with imaging.
“Even a slight possibility of being diagnosed with cancer can be debilitating, and we understand that the follow-up check-ups after an abnormal mammogram can take an emotional toll,” she said.
“If women have concerns about their false-positive result or are unclear of what it means, they should talk with their doctor,” an expert advised. (iStock)
“While it can be distressing to not have a true negative from that initial mammogram, patients should not worry if their doctor orders a breast ultrasound following a mammogram, as it is a very common procedure.”
Asking questions and having open communication with health care providers can help to ease stress and anxiety when there is follow-up to an abnormal screening, Tan added.
Importance of continued screenings
Based on these findings, the researchers emphasized that women who receive false-positive results should continue screening every one to two years.
“A false positive — particularly if it leads to a diagnosis of benign breast disease — is associated with a small increase in developing breast cancer in the future,” Miglioretti said.
“If women have concerns about their false-positive result or are unclear of what it means, they should talk with their doctor.”
Women should also be aware that a screening test often requires further diagnostic evaluation to confirm that a finding is normal, the doctor added.
“A false positive — particularly if it leads to a diagnosis of benign breast disease — is associated with a small increase in developing breast cancer in the future.”
“This is a standard part of the screening process,” Miglioretti told Fox News Digital.
“Approximately 10% of screening mammograms require diagnostic work-up, and most women called back for further imaging do not have breast cancer.”
Tan emphasized the importance of mammograms as the “gold standard” for breast screening.
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“Mammograms can catch cancer at early stages, before symptoms,” she told Fox News Digital.
“They are proven to decrease mortality, which is why almost every patient will begin with a screening mammogram.”
Potential limitations of the study
The researchers only evaluated false positives on the two prior screening mammograms for each woman, the researchers noted.
“Cancer is highly complex, and it is essential to see a radiologist who specializes in reading mammograms,” an expert advised. (iStock)
“Women could have had false-positive mammograms prior to that,” Miglioretti noted.
The study was also limited to 177 facilities participating in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC), which means some women could have received care at non-BCSC facilities.
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“Cancer is highly complex, and it is essential to see a radiologist who specializes in reading mammograms,” Tan advised.
“Early detection is key for better outcomes, which is why it is so important to know your breast cancer risk and to get your regular screenings.”
New flu strain emerging as a severe health threat
Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel joins ‘America’s Newsroom’ to warn of a new strain of the flu that is spiking hospitalizations across the country and newfound risks of medical marijuana’s link to psychosis.
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The New York State Department of Health reported a record surge in influenza activity, with 71,123 positive flu cases recorded statewide during the week ending December 20.
Health officials said the figure represents the highest number of flu cases ever reported in a single week since influenza became a reportable disease in New York in 2004.
State health data show the weekly total reflects a 38% increase from the previous reporting period, signaling a rapidly intensifying flu season.
There have been 189,312 reported positive flu cases so far this season, while influenza-related hospitalizations rose 63% in the most recent week.
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New York reported the highest weekly total of cases ever recorded since influenza became reportable in 2004. (iStock)
“We are seeing the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week in New York state,” Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a press release.
There have been 189,312 reported flu cases so far this season, with influenza-related hospitalizations increasing 63% in the most recent week. (iStock)
Earlier this month, the department declared influenza prevalent statewide, a designation that requires unvaccinated health care workers to wear masks in patient care settings.
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Health officials continue to emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization from influenza.
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New Yorkers who have not yet received a seasonal flu shot are still encouraged to do so, with experts saying vaccination can offer protection even later in the season.
Health officials continue to urge New Yorkers to take preventive steps, including vaccination and staying home when sick, to limit further spread. (iStock)
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To help limit further spread, the department advises individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms — including fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches — to stay home. State health officials also recommend frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
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For those who become ill, officials say antiviral medications are available and are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Health officials also added that people at higher risk for complications should contact a health care provider promptly for evaluation and possible treatment.
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The department noted that flu activity typically peaks in January, meaning case counts could continue to climb in the weeks ahead.
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If the stress of the holidays wreaked havoc on your gut, you’re not alone — 76% of Americans experience gastrointestinal distress during the holiday season, according to a recent national survey from Oshi Health and YouGov.
Digestive problems can be triggered not only by holiday overeating, but also by stress. Financial worries, disrupted routines, fatigue and interpersonal dynamics rank as some of the top causes.
“I see an uptick in psychiatry-related GI issues during the holiday season,” Dr. Claire Brandon, a gastrointestinal psychiatrist based in New York City, told Fox News Digital. “When you are undergoing stress, your body produces more corticotropin-releasing hormones, which sets off a cascade of the inflammatory system.”
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Stress hormones can act directly on the gut, leading to more digestive distress and pushing the body out of “rest-and-digest mode,” Brandon said.
“Stress activates the sympathetic — fight, flight, freeze — nervous system, which slows digestion,” added Dr. David Clarke, an Oregon-based gastroenterologist and president of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms. “That can lead to bloating, cramps, nausea and sometimes abdominal pain.”
Stress often plays a bigger role in digestive issues than overeating alone, experts say. (iStock)
The good news, doctors say, is that a few simple, realistic steps can help reset the digestive system after the holidays.
No. 1: Reset your sleep
Sleep plays a major role in gut health. Research shows that insufficient or disrupted sleep can change the composition and function of the gut microbiome, potentially affecting metabolic and immune factors that influence overall health.
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“When I travel and get derailed, my main focus is to reset my sleep,” Brandon said. She recommends reestablishing wind-down routines like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
No. 2: Eat balanced, fiber-rich meals
Fiber helps keep digestion moving and supports healthy gut bacteria, which can aid post-holiday recovery, experts say.
“The usual principles for supporting digestion apply here,” said Clarke. “Consuming a balanced diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes; avoiding highly processed foods; and moderating alcohol will keep your gut microbiome happy.”
Digestive symptoms like bloating and discomfort often spike during the holidays due to stress, travel and disrupted routines. (iStock)
No. 3: Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated will also aid digestion, Clarke said, noting that light-colored urine is a good indicator of hydration.
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Traveling can be particularly tough on the gut, experts say, especially during flights where low cabin humidity causes the body to pull water from the bowels, leading to constipation.
Drinking water before, during, and after flights — and limiting alcohol and caffeine — can help counteract dehydration-related digestive slowdowns. Experts also recommend sipping water consistently throughout the day.
No. 4: Resume regular movement
Both doctors agreed that exercise supports digestion and stress regulation, which are both key to gut recovery.
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“Going on walks can be enough to help with this, but if you have space to do more, including some gentle stretching, that can be a huge help,” Brandon advised.
No. 5: Reduce stress gradually
Stress management plays a critical role in gut health, and experts say that small, consistent habits can help ease gastrointestinal symptoms.
Brandon recommends calming the nervous system with breathing or grounding exercises and slowing down at meals.
Light movement can help support digestion and regulate stress, experts say. (iStock)
“If you’re constantly running on fumes, on a layover in the airport, eating high sugar and doing things off your routine, expect a few disruptions with your gut,” she said. “Reframe it as something that you can reset when you get home.”
No. 6: Skip cleanses and detoxes
Clarke says that detoxes and cleanses are not necessary and can actually be harmful. Instead, he recommends sticking to the basics — including hydration, balanced meals, regular sleep and movement.
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Doctors say the gut is designed to recover on its own in response to consistently healthy practices rather than extreme resets.
Experts recommend returning to balanced, fiber-rich meals instead of intense cleanses. (iStock)
While short-lived symptoms can improve within hours and are usually temporary, experts say lingering or worsening issues shouldn’t be ignored.
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“If you are back home and struggling to feel your usual baseline while back on your routine, it’s probably worth checking in with your physician,” Brandon advised.
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Regular exercise may do more than strengthen the heart. It could also reprogram the nerves that control how the heart beats, new research has found.
The discovery could eventually help doctors better treat common conditions such as irregular heart rhythms, chest pain, angina and stress-related “broken-heart” syndrome, according to scientists at the University of Bristol in the U.K.
The study, which looked at lab rats trained over 10 weeks, found that moderate exercise does not affect the heart’s nerve control system evenly. Instead, it produces distinct and opposing changes on the left and right sides of the body. a split researchers say has gone largely unnoticed until now.
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“The discovery points to a previously hidden left–right pattern in the body’s ‘autopilot’ system that helps run the heart,” Dr. Augusto Coppi, the study’s lead author and a senior lecturer in veterinary anatomy at the University of Bristol, said in a statement.
Regular exercise may “rewire” the nerves that control the heart, the new study found. (iStock)
“This could help explain why some treatments work better on one side than the other and, in the future, help doctors target therapies more precisely and effectively,” Coppi added.
After 10 weeks of aerobic exercise, the researchers examined the animals’ heart control nerves and found left–right differences that did not appear in inactive rats, according to the research published in the journal Autonomic Neuroscience in September.
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On the right side, the nerve hub that sends “go faster” signals to the heart developed many more nerve cells, suggesting increased wiring. On the left side, however, the number of nerve cells did not rise as much. Instead, the existing cells grew significantly larger, indicating a different kind of adaptation.
The findings could help explain why some heart treatments work better on one side than the other. (iStock)
The findings show that exercise reshapes the heart’s nerve control system in a side-specific way rather than affecting both sides equally, the researchers said. Understanding that process could help doctors better target treatments, especially for patients who cannot exercise or whose symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes.
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Researchers compared the nerve clusters, known as the stellate ganglia, to a “dimmer switch” that fine-tunes how strongly the heart is stimulated. That fine-tuning is important because overstimulation of these nerves is linked to chest pain and dangerous heart rhythm problems.
Scientists caution more studies are needed to determine whether the same effects occur in humans. (iStock)
The findings are early stage and based on animal research, however. So, they do not prove the same effects in people. More studies are needed before they could affect patient care.
Researchers say future studies will explore whether similar left–right nerve changes occur in people and whether they could help explain why some heart treatments work better on one side than the other, potentially paving the way for more precise, personalized care for angina and heart rhythm disorders.
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The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from University College London, the University of São Paulo and the Federal University of São Paulo in Brazil.
Researchers discovered distinct left-right changes in heart-control nerves after 10 weeks of aerobic exercise. (iStock)
The findings add to growing evidence that regular, moderate exercise benefits the heart in ways scientists are beginning to understand better.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to the study authors for comment.
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