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A study over a 10-year period showed that a certain mammogram test had a 50 perc

ID: 3382291 • Letter: A

Question

A study over a 10-year period showed that a certain mammogram test had a 50 percent rate of false positives. This indicates that:

about half the women tested actually had no cancer.

about half the tests indicated cancer.

about half the tests showed a cancer that didn't exist.

about half the tests missed a cancer that exists.

a.

about half the women tested actually had no cancer.

b.

about half the tests indicated cancer.

c.

about half the tests showed a cancer that didn't exist.

d.

about half the tests missed a cancer that exists.

Explanation / Answer

A false positive is saying someone has cancer when she doesn't have it.

So, it is

OPTION C: about half the tests showed a cancer that didn't exist.