Strengths and limitations of breast cancer risk assessment.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate current definitions of breast cancer risk and breast cancer risk assessment models, including the Gail, Claus, and BRCAPRO models, and discuss potential markers to enhance and standardize individual risk assessment.


METHODS
Published articles, conference proceedings, and textbooks.


RESULTS
Defining high risk for breast cancer development is explored, and options for high-risk women are discussed. The risk factors frequently used for risk evaluation, including age, age at menarche, age at first live birth, past history of breast biopsy, family history of breast cancer, and the presence of atypical hyperplasia, are reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
Current models of breast cancer risk assessment are limited. Exploring the progression from healthy tissue to malignancy through techniques such as fine needle aspiration, ductal lavage, and nipple aspiration may lead to more precise individualized risk prediction.


CONCLUSIONS
More accurate information regarding personal breast cancer risk is necessary. Oncology nurses may facilitate the use of appropriate tools that provide the most individualized risk assessment.
Baltzell
Kimberly
K
Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, USA. kbaltzell@earthlink.net
Wrensch
Margaret R
MR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000592:standards*; D012307:Risk Factors