Impacto psicológico de la mamografía de cribado en mujeres con resultados no concluyentes

Objective

To assess the impact of mammographic screening on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in women requiring a second mammogram 6 months after an inconclusive biennial screening mammogram.

Methodology

A total of 105 women were interviewed after they had been informed of the BI-RADS results of their screening mammography. Of these women, 72 were interviewed for a second time, after they had received a negative result of the follow-up mammogram. The assessment scales used were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Medical Outcomes Short-Form General Health Survey (SF-36). Anxiety and perceived physical comfort during the screening and follow-up mammograms were also evaluated through two questions specifically designed for this study.

Conclusions

Levels of anxiety and depression, quality of life and physical discomfort were satisfactory, with no differences between the two time points of measurement. Mammography screening does not cause emotional distress. These results should be emphasized by breast screening campaigns.