Cancer Risk Assessment: Dana-Farber’s Groundbreaking Tool
Cancer Risk Assessment and understanding your risk for breast and ovarian cancer is a critical step in early detection and prevention.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, in its commitment to providing people with knowledge, has launched an innovative tool, Assess Your Risk.
This free online cancer education tool is designed to help you assess your personal risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
The Cancer Risk Assessment Process
AssessYourRisk is a 5- to 10-minute questionnaire that delves into various aspects of your lifestyle, health history and genetics.
By answering these questions, you will receive valuable information about factors that may increase or decrease your risk of developing these cancers.
The tool focuses on people 18 and older with no personal history of breast or ovarian cancer.
The questions cover a variety of topics including:
1. Biological Sex:
AssessYourRisk takes into account the biological sex assigned at birth, recognizing that anyone can get breast cancer.
2. Genetics and Family Health History:
While you don’t need to know your family history of cancer to complete the quiz, certain cancer diagnoses in close relatives can impact your risk and when you should be screened for cancer.
3. Estrogen Exposure:
Questions related to your hormones, like age at first menstrual period, age at menopause, birth control use and hormone therapy are included as they impact your risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Understanding your cancer risk
By completing the questionnaire, your risk factors are categorized into higher risk, possible risk and protective factors.
Factors under “Higher or Possible Risk” indicate items that may increase cancer risk, while those under “Protective” suggest ways to reduce risk.
You can explore each result to gain a deeper understanding and access personalized recommendations.
However, It is critical to remember that this tool is not a substitute for medical advice.
The results should be shared with your health care provider during your next appointment.
For a more accurate risk assessment, it is advisable to discuss the results with a physician or genetic counselor.
Dana-Farber’s commitment to early detection
Dana-Farber’s acquisition of AssessYourRisk in 2021 and its subsequent launch in 2023 is a testament to its dedication to promoting cancer prevention and early detection.
The tool underwent extensive review by clinical and community experts, ensuring its reliability and accuracy.
By offering an informative, accessible, and easy-to-use tool like AssessYourRisk, Dana-Farber is empowering people to take control of their health.
Also, understand their cancer risk, and ultimately make informed decisions for a cancer-free future.
Remember, knowledge is the first step in the fight against cancer.
To take the quiz, visit assessyourrisk.org.
You can also visit Dana Farber’s table on our website.
Disclaimer:
The information contained on the My Health Fair website should not be construed as professional advice or medical recommendations.Readers should direct any questions regarding their personal health care to licensed physicians or other appropriate health care professionals.
