Women want more information about first mammogram

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A study shows that women in their forties considering a mammogram want to know more and to take part in decision-making.
Although 50 has been the usual age to start having routine mammograms, sometimes it's recommended - and asked for - from age 40. A team at Harvard Medical School has asked women aged 40 to 44, scheduled for their first mammogram, about their concerns.

They found that most wanted their primary care practitioner to be their first port of call for information about the mammogram. In particular, they were interested in knowing what would happen if they had an abnormal mammogram, how they would be told of this and how quickly. They also wanted to know more about false-positive and false-negative results.

The women also had clear views about making decisions around the mammogram. Eight per cent wanted to make their own decisions, 38 per cent wanted to make their own decision but only after consulting their doctor. And 46 per cent thought it should be a joint decision, with nine per cent saying the doctor alone should make the decision. The more these wishes are taken on board, the better the experience of mammography will be for women in their forties.

Source
Archives of Internal Medicine 27th June 2005 Volume 165 pages 1371-1374

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