Why Are "False Positives" in Diagnostic Tests for Cancer Rather

question 44

Multiple Choice

Why are "false positives" in diagnostic tests for cancer rather common?

• A) Most diagnostic tests for cancer are relatively new and have not been well tested.
• B) Cancerous cells are nearly identical to normal cells, so often a doctor will see what looks like a cancer cell but it isn't one.
• C) Diagnostic tests are generally quite broad to ensure that the doctor doesn't miss a cancer that's there.
• D) Patients are sometimes unhappy to have paid to get tested "for nothing" so a doctor follows up as if the test is positive when it isn't justified.
• E) Hardly anyone actually gets cancer, so usually when something looks like cancer, that's what it turns out not to be.

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Definitions:

Polarized Language

Language that reflects extreme positions, intensifying divisions between groups or perspectives.

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The range and variety of words used within a given text or speech, indicating richness and complexity in language usage.

Negotiator's Choice

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