Projecting Individualized Absolute Invasive Breast Cancer Risk in US Hispanic Women

Authors: Banegas, M.P. et. al.

Source: J Natl Cancer Inst (2017) 109(2):djw215

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28003316

The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT) was developed by the National Cancer Institute and is widely available, free and online, to calculate a woman’s risk of developing the disease. It has long been thought that these calculations would underestimate the risks for Hispanic women. Some studies showed it may underestimate the risk by as much as 18%. Moreover, nation of birth plays a significant role in breast cancer risks among Hispanic women: risks are different among foreign-born women compared to US-born women.

The model was based on a database of Hispanic, African American and non-Hispanic White women. Over 1000 Hispanic women with breast cancer were compared to over 1400 Hispanic women without the disease. Information was combined with data from California and national cancer registries. Calculations were then compared to the BCRAT as well as the 4-Corners Breast Cancer Study (observing Hispanic, Native American and Non-Hispanic White women in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah) and the Women’s Health Initiative.

For each woman included, the following data was collected: age at diagnosis or age at study entry; race/ethnicity; family history of breast cancer in first-degree female relatives; age at menarche; number of live births and age at first full-term pregnancy.

The results of the model were validated with the BRCAT and CBCS data. Now, individuals may use this model to assess breast cancer risks in this specific group of women.

The model will be included in the National Cancer Institute’s online tool (BCRAT).

https://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/