While breast cancer risk assessment apps can be a helpful tool, it's important to remember that they are not a substitute for regular mammograms and other screening tests.

Can An App Help Calculate The Risk Of Breast Cancer?

While medical advancements have significantly improved breast cancer management, accurately predicting an individual's risk of developing advanced breast cancer remains a challenge. However, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), in collaboration with other medical institutions, have developed an innovative solution to address this issue.

Breast cancer risk assessment apps can help you understand your risk of developing the disease. These apps use a variety of factors, such as your age, family history, and lifestyle habits, to estimate your risk.

Introduction

Breast cancer continues to be a pressing global health concern, with women facing the highest incidence rates worldwide. As per global estimates, more than 2 million new breast cancer cases were reported in 2020<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. Whereas, in Pakistan, 1 in 9 every 9 women has a lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>.

While medical advancements have significantly improved breast cancer management, accurately predicting an individual&#39;s risk of developing advanced breast cancer remains a challenge. However, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), in collaboration with other medical institutions, have developed an innovative solution to address this issue.

The Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) Advanced <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/breast-cancer">Breast Cancer Risk Calculator</a> is an interactive tool designed to estimate an individual&#39;s six-year cumulative risk of developing advanced breast cancer<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. This groundbreaking tool takes into account various risk factors, empowering healthcare professionals and women alike to make informed decisions about screening and preventive measures. 
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Understanding the advanced Breast Cancer

Advanced breast cancer, also known as prognostic pathologic stage II or higher breast cancer, refers to tumors that have grown larger, spread to nearby lymph nodes, or exhibit characteristics associated with a poorer prognosis. These characteristics may include high-grade tumor cells and a lack of estrogen receptors.

Detecting breast cancer at an advanced stage often requires more aggressive treatment, including surgery and systemic therapies. Identifying breast cancer before it progresses to an advanced stage is crucial, as early diagnosis and intervention can potentially save lives. 
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The development of the BCSC Advanced Breast Cancer Risk Calculator addresses a critical need in breast cancer management. Despite the availability of regular screenings, accurately identifying those at higher risk of developing advanced breast cancer has been a challenge.

The calculator provides estimates of advanced cancer risk for women based on their annual or biennial mammography screens. Healthcare professionals can use the app on the web or as an iPhone or Android app. 
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This tool, built upon extensive research and a comprehensive risk assessment model, offers several key benefits:

a) Tailored Screening Recommendations: By factoring in various risk factors such as breast density, age, family history, previous breast biopsies, and more, the calculator provides personalized risk estimates. This enables healthcare professionals to recommend appropriate screening frequency and supplemental imaging for each individual, ensuring a more tailored and effective approach to breast cancer detection. 
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b) Empowering Informed Decision-Making: The BCSC risk calculator empowers women to be proactive about their breast health. Armed with personalized risk assessments, individuals can work closely with their healthcare providers to devise proactive strategies for breast cancer prevention and early detection. 
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c) Focus On High-Risk Groups: The tool proves especially beneficial for women with dense breasts and those who are overweight or obese. Both factors significantly contribute to the risk of advanced breast cancer. The calculator&#39;s ability to identify high-risk individuals in these groups allows for targeted interventions and heightened vigilance in monitoring breast health. 
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Conclusion

The Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium&#39;s Advanced Breast Cancer Risk Calculator represents a major step forward in the fight against breast cancer. By accurately estimating an individual&#39;s risk of developing advanced breast cancer, this innovative tool empowers both healthcare providers and women to take proactive measures in breast cancer management. Personalized risk assessments enable more tailored screening recommendations, while the focus on high-risk groups, such as women with dense breasts and obesity, ensures targeted preventive measures. With this interactive tool at their disposal, the medical community can move closer to reducing breast cancer incidence and achieving better outcomes for women worldwide. 
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[1] Breast Cancer. World Health Organization.

[2] Khan NH, Duan SF, Wu DD, Ji XY. Better Reporting and Awareness Campaigns Needed for Breast Cancer in Pakistani Women. Cancer Manag Res. 2021;13:2125-2129. Published 2021 Mar 2. doi:10.2147/CMAR.S270671

[3] Krigel M. New App Calculates Women’s risk for advanced breast cancer. New App Calculates Women’s Risk for Advanced Breast Cancer | UC San Francisco.

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