Having a mammogram can be stressful enough, if you are told that you have an abnormal result that can be even worse. If the abnormal reading is found to be false, you are likely to be relieved; however, it would make most women wonder how often this happens. According to a recent online health article more than half of women in the U.S. who get the recommended annual mammogram will have at least one false-positive reading after 10 years of screening. New research suggests that these women have an elevated risk for breast cancer. Women in a Danish study who had received, at the minimum one false-positive mammogram had a greater chance of eventually being diagnosed with breast cancer than women who had no previous history. However, there was little discrepancy in risk between women with and without false-positive readings who had received their mammogram after the year 2000, suggesting that improvements in mammography screening technology have resulted in more accurate screening.This study could be interpreted as reassuring for women being screened today, says breast cancer specialist Stephanie Bernik, MD, who was not involved with the study. Breast augmentation remains the number one cosmetic plastic surgery performed in the US. This results in many breast surgeries every year. Dr. Kim advises his breast surgery patients including those who have had breast augmentation with breast implants, breast reduction, and breast lift that it is important to be committed to proper breast health even after cosmetic breast surgery. Patient should follow the recommendations of their primary care physician. The general recommendations are those of the American Cancer Society. The recommendations include monthly breast self-examination and annual mammogram beginning at age 40. The recommendations can vary based on family health history and other medical considerations. Patients should understand that cosmetic breast surgery does not change the standard breast health recommendations.
