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Dana A. Glei's avatar

Thanks! That's helpful information. It's exactly what I was worried about.

For diagnostic tests, I always like to know the sensitivity and the specificity (and try to gauge my own level of risk). I remember being in my 40s and having gynecologist tell me I should get a mammogram. I ran the numbers and figured out that if I got a positive test, the probability of it being a false positive was more than 90%.

I decided to wait to age 50. I've already had one unnecessary surgery because of a false positive test. And I spent months worrying about it until they actually did the surgery and found no problem.

It's not always easy to find doctors that will stick to evidence-based medicine. You have to do your own math.

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Good news. Thank you

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