Screening for breast cancer is associated with a low degree of psychological distress

Psychological distress was measured among women on the day of recall after mammography in an official screening programme, and 4 weeks after the diagnosis was given. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and a questionnaire to assess reactions to the examination were completed by 213 (97%) women aged 50-69 years. Among those without cancer, there were 45 (24.3%) who were anxiety cases and eight (4.3%) depression cases (HADS) on the day of recall mammography and 12 (7.3%) and three (1.8%) respectively after 4 weeks (P<0.001). Among those with cancer, the corresponding figures were seven (28.0%) and one (4.8%) before and six (24.0%) and three (12%) after screening (n.s.). A total of 194 (97%) women were definitely satisfied with the screening programme, and 195 (98%) would recommend others to participate. In conclusion, recall after mammography is associated with transiently increased levels of anxiety and depression in women without cancer. For those with cancer, the psychological distress continues. The women were almost unanimously content with participating in the screening programme. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.