Risk assessment models are used to calculate a patient’s risk of developing breast cancer and to determine if they require supplemental screening or preventative interventions. Risk assessment models factor in typical breast cancer risks. However, not all models use the same set of risk factors. Having dense breasts is a risk factor for developing breast cancer, but it is not included in all assessment models. Two risk assessment models that include breast density in their risk calculations are the Tyrer-Cuzick model (IBIS tool) and the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium model. The Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment model is the most used risk assessment model. The Tyrer-Cuzick model provides a score that is based on a patient’s history and calculates their 10-year and lifetime risks of developing breast cancer.3 In contrast, the commonly used Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (Gail model) does not include breast density. As mammography evolves, mammographic features, such as breast tissue density, should be considered when evaluating a patient’s risk of breast cancer because it would provide a more accurate prediction of a patient’s risk of developing breast cancer and allow more high-risk patients to receive supplemental screening.
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