The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that approximately 12% of women will develop breast cancer by age 70. Risk factors for breast cancer include female gender, increasing age, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, age at first live birth over thirty, previous breast biopsies, previous breast biopsy with atypia, Other factors such as therapeutic radiation during adolescence, obesity with a BMI >25, alcohol consumption, dense breast tissue and environmental exposures are not included in traditional risk assessment models, but are considered by most to mildly or moderately increase risk. Understanding your risk of developing breast cancer is important in management of your breast condition.
The most widely recognized tool for assessing breast cancer risk is the Gail model, developed by scientists at the NCI. Limitations of this model are that it does not account for second-degree relatives with breast cancer, relatives of a young age with breast cancer, and environmental factors. The Gail model calculator can be found at:
www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/.
Additional risk assessment models include the Claus model, Cuzick-Tyrer model, BRCAPRO model, and BOADICEA model.
Dr. Slam will assess your risk of developing breast cancer at your initial consultation, and when elevated above normal, she will inform you about your options for high-risk management.