Psychiatric Effects of Breast Cancer Screening
Author Information
Author(s): R. Ellman, N. Angeli, A. Christians, S. Moss, J. Chamberlain, P. Maguire
Primary Institution: Institute of Cancer Research
Hypothesis
Does breast cancer screening increase psychiatric morbidity among women?
Conclusion
Breast cancer screening does not lead to a sustained increase in psychiatric morbidity.
Supporting Evidence
- 25% of routinely screened women showed probable psychiatric morbidity at the clinic.
- Anxiety levels were higher in women with false positive results.
- Probable psychiatric morbidity among newly detected cancer patients rose from 34% to 46% over three months.
Takeaway
This study looked at how women felt after getting screened for breast cancer. It found that screening doesn't make women feel more anxious or depressed in the long run.
Methodology
Women were assessed using the GHQ-28 questionnaire before and three months after breast cancer screening.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported measures of psychiatric morbidity.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a specific health district and may not represent all populations.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 45-71 attending for breast cancer screening.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.02
Confidence Interval
(95% CI)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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