false positive
Screening test result that incorrectly indicates cancer presence when no cancer exists.
Full Definition
A false positive in cancer screening occurs when a screening test produces an abnormal or positive result suggesting the presence of cancer in an individual who does not actually have the disease. False positives can lead to unnecessary anxiety, additional testing, procedures, and healthcare costs. They are an inherent limitation of screening programs and must be balanced against the benefits of detecting true cancers. The false positive rate varies significantly among different screening tests and is an important consideration in determining screening guidelines and patient counseling approaches.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate as 'false positive' when used as a compound modifier, but can be written as two words when used as a noun.
In Context
- "The high false positive rate of lung cancer screening requires careful patient selection and counseling." — Screening program evaluation
- "False positive mammography results occur in approximately 10% of screening examinations." — Quality assurance report