Join Now
Sign In
What process do you follow to assess breast cancer risk in a woman?
Topic Tags:
Topic Tags:
Diseases:
Diseases:
1
Expert Answers
DrAttai (Physician - Surgery - Breast (Verified) ) - 05 / 09 / 2012
There are many ways to perform risk assessment, and the most important is by taking a personal and family history. A prior breast biopsy, especially if it demonstrated "atypical hyperplasia", increases a woman's risk for the future development of breast cancer. Also the number of relatives who have had breast cancer, and their age at diagnosis, is also important. A history of other cancers in the family, especially ovarian cancer, may lead to a recommendation for BRCA gene testing.
There are various risk assessment models available - the most commonly used one is the Gail Model:http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/ and it uses known risk factors such as age, age at first menstrual period and first term pregnancy, whether or not prior biopsies have been performed (and if so, was atypia present?), and family history. A disadvantage of the Gail model is that it only takes into account first-degree relatives (mother, sister, daughter) and it may underestimate the risk of disease in some women.
A form of genetic testing, known as the OnvoVue test, is a saliva test which assesses various genes involved in breast cancer development; results are reported as standard risk, moderately elevated, and significantly elevated - this test can help us determine if an otherwise asymptomatic woman might be at higher risk for the future development of breast cancer. Additional information on the OncoVue test can be found here -http://www.cancerriskassessment.com/what-is-oncovue-2.
Another form of risk assessment testing uses milk duct fluid (nipple aspirate fluid) to determine if there are abnormal cells present; the presence of abnormal cells or atypia would mean that a woman is at increased risk for the development of breast cancer and additional testing may be recommended.
Realize that no risk assessment test is a crystal ball - we do not at this point have the ability to predict with certainty if someone will or will not develop breast cancer. However they can help to identify women that might be at higher than average risk for which additional testing might be indicated. Additional information on risk assessment can be found here -http://www.cfbci.com/halo.html.
There are various risk assessment models available - the most commonly used one is the Gail Model:http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/ and it uses known risk factors such as age, age at first menstrual period and first term pregnancy, whether or not prior biopsies have been performed (and if so, was atypia present?), and family history. A disadvantage of the Gail model is that it only takes into account first-degree relatives (mother, sister, daughter) and it may underestimate the risk of disease in some women.
A form of genetic testing, known as the OnvoVue test, is a saliva test which assesses various genes involved in breast cancer development; results are reported as standard risk, moderately elevated, and significantly elevated - this test can help us determine if an otherwise asymptomatic woman might be at higher risk for the future development of breast cancer. Additional information on the OncoVue test can be found here -http://www.cancerriskassessment.com/what-is-oncovue-2.
Another form of risk assessment testing uses milk duct fluid (nipple aspirate fluid) to determine if there are abnormal cells present; the presence of abnormal cells or atypia would mean that a woman is at increased risk for the development of breast cancer and additional testing may be recommended.
Realize that no risk assessment test is a crystal ball - we do not at this point have the ability to predict with certainty if someone will or will not develop breast cancer. However they can help to identify women that might be at higher than average risk for which additional testing might be indicated. Additional information on risk assessment can be found here -http://www.cfbci.com/halo.html.
Similar Questions
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Add Answer
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Share Conversation
To tell people about this conversation, type their email addresses here (separated by commas):
From:
Add a personal note here:
Breast Cancer Updates
Sign up for our
Breast Cancer
updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts.
Ads keep TalkAboutHealth freeadvertisement
Similar Questions
Updates
Sign up for email updates of the latest news, best answers, and featured experts.
Benefits
Custom health, wellness, & medical offers from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities & new programs.
Upcoming Workshops
-
Breast Cancer Oncology
Mon., May 20th
Expert: Katherine Crew, MD -
Melanoma Oncology
Mon., May 20th
Expert: Steven O'Day, MD -
Gastric (Stomach) Cancer Oncology
Tues., May 21st
Expert: Manish Shah, MD -
T-cell Lymphoma
Tues., May 21st
Expert: Francine Foss, MD -
Breast Cancer Oncology
Wed., May 22nd
Expert: Linnea Chap, MD -
Cancer Support and Psychosocial Education
Thurs., May 23rd
Expert: Jeff Kane, MD -
CLL - Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Fri., May 24th
Expert: Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD
SHARE Support
1) Call SHARE at: 866-891-2392
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
3 Quick Ways You Can Help
1) Spread the word! Tell people you think might want some support. Tell medical professionals, health providers, and organizations.
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
View All Newsletters
