Patients who receive a ‘false positive’ during breast screening are 50 per cent more likely to be diagnosed later in life

Researchers have found that patients who are given a ‘false positive’ during breast screening are 50 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer later in their life.

A recently published study in the British Journal of Cancer states that this result raises the possibility of a diagnosis from two to four per cent and the increased risk lasts for around twelve years.

The study’s authors wrote “This information should be considered to design personalised screening strategies based on individual risk.” Although they also stress that the risks are still minute.

Breast Cancer Now’s Baroness Delyth Morgan, said “These could be really important findings. Our risk of breast cancer can depend on a combination of our genes, family history, lifestyle, reproductive history and breast density. We are hopeful that tailoring screening to a woman’s individual risk could one day help detect more cases earlier.”

Cancer Research UK have, however, warned that the data was too inconclusive to change the screening programme. The Charity’s Georgina Hill said “It may be that women are more likely to notice breast changes after a false positive result.

“It’s important to remember that most women who are given a false positive result do not go on to develop breast cancer.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 738