Mammogram follow-up testing and treatment costs the U.S. approximately $4 billion each year, raising concerns about unnecessary testing and overtreatment, according to a Health Affairs report.
Researchers found that 11 percent of women had "suspicious" mammograms between 2011 and 2013, but in more than 98 percent of cases, follow-up testing revealed no cancer. This translates to $2.8 billion in costs for follow-up testing, along with an additional $1.2 billion that is spent each year on overtreatment. However, other health experts tell NPR that the study overestimates follow-up treatment costs and fails to take into account the benefits of yearly mammograms. Report (subscription required)