The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of screening mammography and symptomatic status

Abstract

Objective - To examine whether the accuracy of screening mammography varies according to symptomatic status reported at the time of screening. Setting - Victoria, Australia, where free biennial screening is provided to women aged 40 and older. Methods - We examined the sensitivity, specificity, and the positive predictive value of screening mammography by symptom status in 106 826 women from Victoria, who attended for first round mammography in 1994 and who did not have a personal history of breast cancer. Symptomatic status was divided into the following categories: asymptomatic; significant symptoms, if the woman reported a breast lump and/or blood stained or watery nipple discharge; and o..