Understanding Breast Cancer Risk

Think of risk as putting tickets into a raffle. While you may have several tickets in the raffle, it doesn’t mean that you will be selected. And if you only have one ticket in the raffle, it doesn’t mean you can’t be selected. Risk works much the same way.

Having several risk factors may make you more susceptible to breast cancer, but it doesn’t mean you will get it. Just as having very few risk factors doesn’t mean you can’t get it.

Why is it good to know your risk factors for breast cancer?

It helps you to make decisions to reduce your risk where possible and review your screening plan when there are risk factors that put you at a higher risk than the average population. Why? Because a higher risk could mean you get on a different screening plan that manages your breast health in a better way for you.

It’s recommended that every woman by age 25 gets a risk assessment for breast cancer.

The Know Your Lemons app can help you calculate your risk. It uses the Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment tool, that gives you a lifetime risk score. By comparing the lifetime risk score, with what the average risk is for your age, your risk level is determined.

For example, if your Tyrer-Cuzick risk score is 18%, but the average risk for breast cancer at your age is 9%, that means you are twice the risk than the average person. This would increase your risk level.

Your recommended screening plan is based on your risk factors and your risk level. We use your country’s screening recommendations for producing the screening plan to discuss with your doctor. The goal is to help you be informed so you can better coordinate with your doctor to determine what is right for you.

To learn more about the calculation aspect and how screening plans are made, see this blog post.