What to Know About the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score that ‘Saved’ Olivia Munn
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Olivia Munn revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy last year.
Her diagnosis came after calculating her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool score.
Experts explain how to use the tool to know your own risk.
In an Instagram post, Olivia Munn recently revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy last year, just two months after testing negative for the BRCA gene (the most well-known breast cancer gene). It was ultimately the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool that the 43-year-old actress says “saved” her life.
Munn recounted that in 2023, she had proactively taken “a genetic test that checks you for 90 different cancers” and tested negative for all, including BRCA (the most well-known breast cancer gene). That same winter, the actress also had a “normal mammogram,” according to her Instagram post.
Munn explained that what “saved” her life was the decision by her OB/GYN to calculate her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool score, despite having no physical signs of breast cancer. Her score revealed that her lifetime risk of developing breast cancer was 37%. At this time, Munn has not shared why her doctor decided to calculate her score, aside from assumed preventive care reasons.
The results of the score led to Munn having an MRI, ultrasound, and biopsies—after which she ultimately learned she had Luminal B cancer, “an aggressive, fast-moving cancer,” in both breasts, per her post.
“I’m lucky,” Munn said. “We caught it with enough time that I had options. I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day.”
But what is the breast cancer risk assessment tool, and should you calculate your score? Experts explain.
What is the breast cancer risk assessment tool?
The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT), also known as the Gail Model, is one of the most common and popular tests used to identify those women at risk for breast cancer, says Sherry Ross, M.D., women’s sexual health expert and author of she-ology and the she-quel. “This model looks at a woman’s personal information, including age, age at the start of menstruation, age at first live birth of a child, number of first-degree relatives (mother, sister, daughters) with breast cancer, number of previous breast biopsies (whether positive or negative), the presence of atypical, hyperplasia on a biopsy, race, and ethnicity.” All these variables are considered, and a risk score is given to the patient to identify if there is an increased risk for breast cancer, Dr. Ross explains.
The BCRAT, which takes as little as five minutes to complete, provides the probability or chance of breast cancer within the next five years as well as up to age 90, says Ruth Oratz, M.D., breast medical oncologist at NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center.
Who should use the breast cancer risk assessment tool?
Anyone who is curious about their risk of developing breast cancer should use the tool. Having information empowers patients, says Dr. Oratz. “It is very important for people to be aware of their health risks, their family history, and their own personal medical conditions, as all of these things can affect the risk of developing cancer,” she explains.
What does my breast cancer risk assessment tool score mean?
In general, a five-year risk score of 1.67% or higher increases the risk of breast cancer, says Dr. Ross. “Once the score is determined, discussing the next steps with your healthcare provider allows for a breast cancer surveillance roadmap to be created,” she explains. If it’s determined that a patient is high risk, additional testing including a yearly breast ultrasound, breast MRI, genetic testing, preventative medication, lifestyle modifications, and other risk-reducing strategies are recommended under the guidance of a healthcare specialist, says Dr. Ross.
If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, have a genetic mutation of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene associated with breast or ovarian cancer, a history of receiving radiation for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma or other significant risk factors, you should ask your healthcare provider about additional screening methods, says Dr. Ross.
The bottom line
If you’re curious about your own risk, take a page out of Munn’s book, find out your score, and ask your doctor about next steps.
Being your best healthcare advocate when it comes to breast cancer detection cannot be over-emphasized, says Dr. Ross. “Incorporating breast cancer risk assessment tools increases your risk for early detection.” When it comes to breast cancer, prevention with lifestyle modifications with regular yearly mammogram screening allows for early detection, proactive management, and successful treatment outcomes, she adds.
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