Evaluation of False Positive Mammography in Community Practice (FP)

U.S. data have shown that approximately 90% of abnormal screening mammograms do not end in a cancer diagnosis (are false positive). This project, referred to as our False Positive study, was designed with the goal of reducing the false positive (FP) results in screening mammography, specifically to reduce the burden of unnecessary imaging work-ups and unnecessary biopsies.

There are two main objectives guiding the False Positive study. The first is to determine the characteristics of women, radiologists, and mammography practices that distinguish a FP from a true positive (TP) screening mammogram result, and a FP from a TP diagnostic mammogram result. The second objective is to identify the descriptive characteristics of abnormalities seen on mammography images that, when added to the findings of the first objective, will improve the ability to distinguish between a FP and a TP result.

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