Advances in genomics and risk stratification allow us to tailor breast cancer screening recommendations for individual patients. Risk assessment, in particular, identifies women who are candidates for supplemental screening, genetic counseling, or genetic testing.
Diagnostic Imaging Services has made a transition to the Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment model, a tool that well supplements are portfolio of screening and diagnostic services pertaining to breast cancer.
What is a risk assessment model?
The Tyrer-Cuzick model is a well-studied model for predicting breast cancer risk. It is a mathematical tool that takes different personal and extensive family risk factors and calculates a breast cancer risk percentage. These percentages fall within three different categories and will be included the screening mammogram results sent to the medical provider who prescribed the test:
- Average Risk (15% or lower)
- Intermediate Risk (15-19.9%)
- High Risk (20% or higher)
Average Risk: A woman will receive a recommendation to continue with annual screening 3D mammography.
Intermediate Risk: If the risk percentage falls into this category, annual screening 3D mammography will be recommended. If supplemental screening is desired, annual screening breast ultrasound could be considered appropriate.
High Risk: For this category, the American Cancer Society recommended annual screening breast MRI in additional to annual screening 3D mammography . A screening breast MRI would be recommended.
The importance of breast cancer risk assessment
This risk assessment will automatically populate on each screening mammogram report. This is not something you or your medical provider have to request from Diagnostic Imaging Services.
The Tyrer-Cuzick assessment model identifies those women that may be at high risk. Women should also be educated about their individual risk level.
Screening and diagnostic mammography is performed in Metairie, Marrero, Slidell and Covington. Call 504-883-5999 or 985-641-2390 to arrange a visit for a screening mammogram or click here to send us an email requesting assistance.
Diagnostic Imaging Services: doctor trusted and patient preferred.
