What Is a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment — and Should You Get One?

What Factors Impact Breast Cancer Risk? 

Many factors can influence breast cancer risk—some that can be controlled, and some that can’t. Risk assessment calculators often look at:

• Age and menstrual history. Certain milestones, like when your period started, when it stopped, and your current age, can influence breast cancer risk. Longer lifetime exposure to estrogen is linked to a slightly higher risk.
  

• Personal health history. Previous breast biopsies, certain benign breast conditions, and past radiation treatments to the chest can affect risk.
  

• Genetics and family history. Is breast cancer genetic? The answer is a little complicated. While some breast cancers are linked to inherited gene changes, most people who develop breast cancer do not have a known genetic mutation. A family history could increase risk, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle.
  

• Breast density. Dense breasts contain more connective tissue than fatty tissue, making it harder to detect cancer on standard mammograms. Higher breast density is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.
  
  

What Is a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment? 

A breast cancer risk assessment looks at personal, medical, and family factors that might contribute to risk. It works to estimate your personal risk for developing breast cancer within the short term (5 to 10 years) and long term (in your lifetime).

It’s important to understand that risk does not mean you have breast cancer or even guarantee you will in the future. These results help your provider determine the best screening tools and follow-up plans to manage your breast health throughout your life.

Who benefits the most from breast cancer risk calculators?

You may benefit from a breast cancer risk assessment if you:

• Have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer

• Have been told you have dense breasts

• Have had breast cancer before

• Had radiation to the chest at a young age

• Are unsure whether standard mammograms are enough for you
  
  

How Breast Cancer Risk Calculators Work 

Breast cancer risk calculators look at more than just age and family history. They combine a variety of lifestyle and health factors to estimate your risk as accurately as possible.

What Is the Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment? 

The Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment Calculator, a scientifically based, nationally accepted standard, is one of the most widely used tools for estimating breast cancer risk. It includes an extensive look at family history and breast density, allowing health professionals to estimate a woman’s risk of developing invasive breast cancer over the next 10 years and in their lifetime.

NCI Breast Cancer Risk Assessment (BCRAT) vs. Tyrer-Cuzick: What’s the Difference? 

The NCI’s BCRAT, previously known as the Gail Model, is another method for calculating breast cancer risk.

What if You’re Found to Be at High Risk for Breast Cancer? 

Hearing that you’re at high risk for breast cancer can be alarming, but it’s really about being proactive. Results from the Tyrer-Cuzick lifetime risk assessment are categorized into three levels that guide personalized screening recommendations and care plans:

• Average risk (less than 15%): You’ll likely begin annual mammograms at the recommended age of 40.

• Intermediate risk (15-19%): Generally, you should still receive standard mammograms at age 40. Your provider may suggest additional testing and more comprehensive screening, especially if you have dense breasts.

• High risk (20% or higher): You will likely receive additional annual screenings on top of your mammogram. Your provider might also begin annual screening at an earlier age than 40.
  
  

Mammograms are not the only breast cancer screening tools available. After getting your results, your provider might recommend more comprehensive screening methods in addition to your annual mammogram.

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