Olivia Munn, who once stated that tests for breast cancer risk assessment had been lifesaving for her, recently shared on social media that she had also saved her mother’s life. In her post, she mentioned, “My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.” Reflecting on her journey, she said, “When I discuss my own experience with cancer, it might lead to a lifelong risk assessment that could save someone, but I never imagined it would also save my mother.”
Understanding the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score
Among various risk assessment tools available, the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT) is notably popular. This tool is based on a statistical model called the Gail model, named after Dr. Mitchell Gail, a prominent investigator at the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
The NCI describes a quick test that helps estimate the risk of developing invasive breast cancer over the next five years. Munn had previously commended the test that encouraged her to seek a biopsy, even after her mammograms and genetic tests yielded negative results.
The biopsy ultimately revealed that she was dealing with luminal B-carcinoma in both breasts, a particularly aggressive form of cancer.
BCRAT works by determining the “absolute breast cancer risk” for women. The organization defines this as the likelihood of developing invasive breast cancer at various age intervals. The risk calculator considers factors like age, race, medical history, and reproductive history. Family history, particularly among close relatives like mothers and daughters, is also taken into account.
After processing this information, a risk score is provided. A five-year risk score of 1.67% or higher is classified as high risk. Healthcare providers might suggest medications to lower the chances of developing cancer in such cases.
Dr. Nicole Saphier, a board-certified breast imaging radiologist, recommends personalized risk assessments for both clinicians and patients. Previously, she noted that a standard mammogram suffices for nearly half of women, but many could benefit from additional screening options like ultrasounds or MRIs, especially if they have dense breast tissue or other risk factors.
Interestingly, less than 5% of women diagnosed with breast cancer develop the disease in the other breast. Alas, Munn happened to be one of those rare exceptions.
