Cancer Risk: Understanding the Puzzle

6 Things to Know BEFORE You Start:

	Risk Assessment Tools are used to estimate a person's risk of developing cancer.
	The tools estimate a person's risk of developing a particular type of cancer over a certain period of time, for example the next 5 years. Doctors call this type of estimate a person's absolute risk.

	NCI's Risk Assessment Tools can help doctors identify patients at high risk for developing cancer.
	Doctors can use a risk assessment tool to identify patients who may be at higher risk for developing a certain type of cancer. They may use this information as a basis for: Discussions with their patients about risk of developing a cancer and how they could reduce their risk Developing a risk reduction plan, which may include steps you could take to help reduce risk; for example quitting smoking. Developing a regular screening schedule to find cancer early if it does develop Identifying patients who may be eligible to participate in research studies to help learn more about how to prevent cancer

	Risk Assessment Tools calculate risk based on factors known to be linked with cancer.
	These tools use a person's own risk factors to estimate risk of developing a certain cancer. Risk factors are factors that are known to increase a person's risk of a disease. Depending on the cancer, the tool asks questions about a number of personal and medical factors. For example, History of cancer in the family for breast cancer risk History of sunburn for melanoma (skin cancer) risk The decision about which risk factors to include is based on information learned in large studies conducted by scientists at the National Cancer Institute.

	There are limitations to using Risk Assessment Tools.
	Many of the limitations are specific to the type of cancer risk that the tool estimates. However, there are some general limitations to consider, no matter the cancer. The Tools only consider known risk factors. The Tools may only be accurate for certain groups of people, such as certain racial ethnic or age groups. No Tool can tell with 100% certainty that a person will or will not get cancer.

	NCI has Risk Assessment Tools for breast cancer and melanoma (skin cancer).
	NCI is working to develop more tools as we learn more about the risk for other cancers. You should check back on this site often to see when other tools are added.

	Risk Assessment Tools are a resource doctors and patients can use together.
	It is important to understand Risk Assessment Tools as one tool to help doctors and patients plan for risk reduction. The tools were designed specifically for use by doctors. The best thing to do is to talk to your doctor about information from these tools.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

I am concerned about my risk for cancer. Can a risk assessment tool help me to know more?
How should I use my results from the tool?
What if my risk is higher than normal? What can I do?
What if my risk is low? Can I stop thinking about my cancer risk?
Based on my risk, am I eligible for any clinical trials that can help us learn more about cancer?

NCI Risk Assessment Tools:

Use the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
An interactive tool that allows doctors to estimate a woman's absolute risk of developing invasive breast cancer over the next 5 years for women age 35 to 90 years (lifetime risk) based on the woman's age and the risk factor information provided.

Use the Melanoma Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
An interactive tool that allows doctors to estimate a person's absolute risk of developing invasive melanoma (skin cancer) over the next 5 years for people age 20 to 70 years. The tool allows doctors to identify individuals at higher risk of melanoma in order to plan appropriate screening interventions with them.

Use the Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
An interactive tool designed to help people and their healthcare providers make informed choices about colorectal screening. The tool uses a respondent's answers to an online questionnaire to calculate that person's 5-year, 10-year, and lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer.

NCI Risk Assessment Tools	email this page
Tools to help you and your doctor take action to reduce your risk.


6 Things to Know BEFORE You Start Questions to Ask Your Doctor

NCI Risk Assessment Tools:
Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool Melanoma Risk Assessment Tool Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool