Breast Cancer Risk Assessment — WOMEN ONLY
Breast cancer is a feared disease. Even though lung cancer and heart disease kill more women each year, surveys show that many women believe breast cancer as the biggest threat to their health. The good news? Women can take steps to lower their risk.
To estimate your risk of breast cancer, take a few minutes to answer some questions about your health, lifestyle and personal background.
STEP #1: Answer each question and fill in the corresponding points.
1. Has anyone in your immediate family (mother, sister, or child) had breast cancer?
|
No, no one in my immediate family has had breast cancer
|
0 points |
points
|
|
Yes, I have one family member who has had breast cancer
|
10 points |
|
Yes, I have more than one family member who has had breast cancer
|
25 points |
2. How tall are you?
| I am shorter than 5’7” |
0 points |
points
|
| I am 5’7” or taller |
5 points |
3. How many hours per week are you physically active?
| I am physically active fewer than 3 hours per week |
10 points |
points
|
| I am physically active 3 or more hours per week |
0 points |
4. How old were you when your menstrual periods started?
| I had my first period before I was 13 years old |
5 points |
points
|
| I had my first period when I was 13 years old or older |
0 points |
5. Are you currently taking birth control pills?
| No |
0 points |
points
|
| Yes |
5 points |
6. Have you ever had a breast biopsy that found benign breast disease?
| No |
0 points |
points |
| Yes |
10 points |
7. Have you taken either of the prescription medications Tamoxifen or Raloxifene for 5 years or longer?
| No |
5 points |
points |
| Yes |
0 points |
8. Have you ever given birth?
| No, I have never given birth |
5 points |
points
|
| Yes, I have given birth to one child |
5 points |
| Yes, I have given birth to two or more children |
0 points |
** If you answered “No” skip to question #11 **
9. How old were you when you gave birth to your first child?
| I was younger than 35 years old when I gave birth to my first child |
0 points |
points |
| I was 35 years old or older when I gave birth to my first child |
10 points |
10. How many months (combined for all pregnancies) have you breastfed your children?
| I have breastfed for less than 12 months |
5 points |
points |
| I have breastfed for a total of 12 months or longer |
0 points |
11. How many drinks of alcohol do you have per week? (One drink is one beer, one glass of wine or one shot of other alcohol)
| I have fewer than 7 drinks of alcohol per week |
0 points |
points |
| I have 7 or more drinks of alcohol per week |
5 points |
** If you have less than 7 drinks per week, skip to question # 13**
12. Do you take a multivitamin on most days?
| No |
5 points |
points |
| Yes |
0 points |
13. Is your ethnic background mostly Ashkenazi Jewish?
| No |
0 points |
points |
| Yes |
5 points |
14. Have you gone through menopause (have your menstrual periods stopped)?
| No, I have not gone through menopause |
0 points |
points |
| Yes, I went through menopause when I was younger than 55 years old |
0 points |
| Yes, I went through menopause when I was 55 years old or older |
5 points |
** If you ansered “No” skip to step #2**
17. Have you ever taken post-menopausal hormones?
| No, I have never taken post-menopausal hormones |
0 points |
points |
| Yes, but I am no longer taking post-menopausal hormones |
0 points |
| Yes, I have been taking estrogen alone for less than 5 years |
0 points |
| Yes, I have been taking estrogen alone for 5 or more years |
5 points |
| Yes, I have been taking estrogen and progesterone for less than 5 years |
5 points |
| Yes, I have been taking estrogen and progesterone for 5 or more years |
10 points |
** If you answered “No”, go to step #2**
16. Have you gained 20 pounds or more since age 18?
| No, I have not gained 20 pounds or more since age 18 |
0 points |
points |
| Yes, I have gained 20-44 pounds since age 18 |
5 points |
| Yes, I have gained 45 or more pounds since age 18 |
10 points |
STEP #2: Total your points from each question above and see where your risk falls in the chart below.
|
Score
|
Your Risk compared to an average woman.
|
|
0-15
|
Much below average
|
|
20-35
|
Below average
|
|
40-50
|
Average
|
|
55-100
|
Above average
|
|
105-150
|
Much above average
|
|
155 or more
|
Very much above average
|
About Your Risk
- Having an above average risk doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get cancer. Having below average risk doesn’t definitely mean you’ll be cancer free.
- If you are already making healthy choices to lower your risk of breast cancer, keep up the good work!
- Sometimes, things you can’t change (like family history or age at menopause) have a bigger influence on breast cancer risk than things you can change (like diet and activity). Overall, though, a healthy lifestyle can have a big influence on health, lowering the risk of many cancers, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Certain genetic mutations can greatly increase the risk of breast cancer. If cancer runs in your family, especially if it strikes at a young age or affects many family members, talk to a doctor about your risk.
Tips for Breast Health
Get Screened. Starting at age 20, get a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years. Starting at age 40, get a clinical breast exam and mammogram every year. Women at high risk may need to start screening earlier and have it done more often.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Be physically active for at least 30 minutes per day.
- If you drink, limit alcohol to less than 1 drink per day.
- Take a multivitamin with folate every day, especially if you drink alcohol.
- Consider breast feeding if you’re having children.
- Talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits of birth control pills and postmenopausal hormones (when appropriate)
- See your health care provider if you discover a suspicious lump or skin changes in your breasts.
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