Hollywood actress Olivia Munn shared on Instagram her recent breast cancer diagnosis and emphasized the role of a simple 5-minute assessment in detecting it early.
Munn credited her OBGYN, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, for suggesting a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score calculation, which she believes saved her life. Factors like age, family history of breast cancer, and late childbirth were considered, resulting in a calculated lifetime risk of 37%.
Thanks to this assessment, Munn underwent further screening, including an MRI and biopsy, which revealed Luminal B cancer in both breasts. Recognizing the aggressiveness of this cancer, she opted for a double mastectomy just 30 days after the biopsy.
Although grateful for the early detection, Munn shared her story with the hope of aiding others facing similar challenges.
What exactly does a breast cancer risk assessment tool entail
The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT), also known as the Gail Model, is a tool developed by Dr. Mitchell Gail in 1989 at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to predict an individual’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. This predictive model utilizes health data from the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project (BCDDP) and the NCI Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program.
Using a woman’s personal information, the BCRAT evaluates several criteria including age, age at menarche, age at first childbirth, family history of breast cancer among first-degree relatives, number of previous breast biopsies, and presence of atypical hyperplasia in a biopsy. These factors are used to estimate the likelihood of developing breast cancer.
While the BCRAT has demonstrated efficacy, it may be less accurate in predicting risk for black or African American women. The NCI acknowledges the need for further validation in Hispanic women and other demographic subgroups, prompting ongoing research efforts to gather additional data and refine the model’s accuracy.
Mitigating Risk Factors and Implementing Essential Measures
Several factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer:
*Age**: The risk of breast cancer rises with age, particularly after 50.
**Genetic Mutations**: Inherited mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
*Breast Density**: Women with denser breast tissue face a higher risk, being 4-6 times more likely to develop breast cancer.
*Reproductive History**: Early onset of menstruation (before age 12) and later menopause (after age 55) are associated with an elevated risk.
Personal History**: Women who have previously had breast cancer are at a higher risk of recurrence.
*Family History**: Having close relatives (mothers, sisters, daughters) with breast cancer increases the likelihood of developing the disease.
Taking proactive measures such as regular screenings and self-examinations can aid in early detection and treatment. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, and managing weight can help mitigate risks. Limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking are also important preventive steps.
Women who delay their first pregnancy until after age 30, do not breastfeed, or have never had a full-term pregnancy should be particularly vigilant, as these factors can also contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer.