False-positive mammogram has a negative impact on quality of life: A cross-sectional study among Jordanian women at King Abdullah University Hospital

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Jordan. While mammography is an effective tool for early detection, false-positive results can cause significant psychological and physical distress. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of false-positive mammograms on the quality of life among Jordanian women attending King Abdullah University Hospital. This cross-sectional study included 672 women aged 40 to 74 who underwent mammography at King Abdullah University Hospital. Of these, 168 had abnormal mammography findings (cases), and 504 had normal results (controls). Quality of life was assessed using the EuroQol five-dimensional health-related quality-of-life questionnaire-Visual Analog Scale, focusing on 5 dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, with a linear regression model to evaluate the association between false-positive results and quality of life. Women with false-positive mammograms showed significantly lower quality of life scores in 4 of the 5 EuroQol five-dimensional health-related quality-of-life questionnaire domains compared to controls. Anxiety and problems with usual activities were significantly associated with abnormal mammography findings. Current smokers had a 3.25 times higher likelihood of abnormal findings. No significant differences were found in mobility or breast cancer history between cases and controls. False-positive mammograms negatively impact on the quality of life, particularly in terms of anxiety and daily functioning. These findings underscore the need for careful consideration of the psychological effects of breast cancer screening and the importance of patient-centered care in the screening process.