At the Breast Center of New England, we calculate a Tyrer-Cuzick risk score on every woman who has a mammogram. The Tyrer-Cuzick score, also known as the International Breast Intervention Study (IBIS) risk prediction model, measures the likelihood of a breast cancer gene mutation. The Tyrer-Cuzick score is given as a percentage and is used by doctors to estimate a person’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. The Tyrer-Cuzick score is one of a handful of risk calculators used by doctors and is one of the most commonly used by radiologists at breast imaging centers.
Why do you calculate a risk score?
The Tyrer-Cuzick calculation used at the Breast Center of New England is helpful for us to make recommendations for individualized breast care. The calculation can indicate a woman is at average, intermediate, or high risk for breast cancer. For women at high risk, additional screening such as MRI or contrast-enhanced mammography, as well as referral to a high-risk clinic and genetic testing may be recommended.
We consider a woman to be an average risk if her Tyrer-Cuzick score is less than 15%. Intermediate-risk women have a score between 15-20%, while anyone with a score of 20% or greater is considered at high risk for developing breast cancer.
How is a Tyrer-Cuzick score calculated?
Breast Center of New England staff ask each patient a quick series of questions to calculate a Tyrer-Cuzick score. These include personal and family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer; pregnancy and menstrual history; and history of any previous breast biopsies, as well as the results. Dr. Lizer will add in each patient’s breast density from that day’s mammogram to complete the score. This will be included in the mammogram report and, if a patient is at high risk, discussed with each patient.
Breast Center of New England uses Ikonopedia software for electronic medical reports. Ikonopedia provides the most recent version of the IBIS tool online. https://ibis.ikonopedia.com/
Final thoughts
It’s important to remember that most breast cancers are not caused by an inherited gene mutation – women in the average and intermediate-risk categories still get breast cancer. And, not all high-risk women will develop breast cancer in their lifetimes. Rather, the Tyrer-Cuzick score is used to guide the personalization of medicine, risk reduction, and early detection as much as possible.