Olivia Munn recently disclosed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. She suggests that individuals consult with their doctors to determine their breast cancer risk score using a calculator.

Munn explained that her score led to additional examinations, which revealed a fast-growing type of illness.

Fortunately, we discovered it early enough for me to have choices,” the 43-year-old actor shared on Instagram. “I hope the same for any woman who may encounter this in the future.”

Examining the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool, which is a calculator.

According to an NCI spokesperson, there has been a significant uptick in visits to a healthcare provider questionnaire on the National Cancer Institute’s website since the posting by Munn. This tool is meant for use by healthcare providers when interacting with patients.

Initially created in 1989, the foundation was solely reliant on information from Caucasian females. Subsequent improvements have enhanced its precision for African American, Latino, and Asian and Pacific Islander females as well.

This method does not consider all factors and cannot accurately forecast an individual’s likelihood of developing breast cancer.

The survey requests information on age, the age at which the woman had her first menstrual cycle, the age at which she gave birth to her first child (or if she has not given birth), any family history of breast cancer, previous breast biopsies and their results, and the individual’s race and ethnicity.

The outcome presents both a lifetime and five-year likelihood of developing breast cancer, determined by factors associated with a higher risk. Additionally, it provides an average risk for women in the United States with the same age, race, and ethnicity for comparison purposes.

According to Dr. Elizabeth Comen, a breast cancer specialist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, it is recommended for women to consult with their doctors when conducting assessments rather than attempting to do so on their own.

According to Comen, it is crucial to have a conversation with your doctor and make decisions together regarding appropriate imaging techniques based on the results. Munn’s elevated score led to additional imaging tests, which are not typically recommended for women at average risk.

This risk calculator may not be the most suitable for certain women. It is not recommended for those with a particular gene mutation or a previous diagnosis of breast cancer. Additionally, it does not consider dense breast tissue, which may make detecting cancer more challenging.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the tool could potentially underestimate the risk for Black women with prior biopsies and Hispanic women who were born in a different country.

“The institute’s website states that additional studies are being conducted to further validate the model for Hispanic women and other subgroups. The aim is to gather more data and test and enhance the model.”

Ashley Johnson, a nurse practitioner from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has researched multiple similar tools. She stated that various health organizations suggest that women over the age of 25 undergo this type of evaluation, but there is insufficient proof to determine which tool is the most effective.

A 2% five-year risk score indicates that the estimated risk for a woman to develop breast cancer in the next five years is 2%.

A lifetime risk score of 7% indicates that a woman has a 7% estimated chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 90.

Dr. Arif Kamal, the chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society, states that mammogram recommendations are intended for women with an average risk. These guidelines may differ, but the society suggests that women have the option to begin yearly mammograms at the age of 40.

According to Kamal, understanding your potential for risk begins prior to turning 40. A risk calculator can be a useful tool in this process.

According to Comen, all people are susceptible to cancer to some degree. However, certain modifications to one’s lifestyle can decrease the likelihood of developing it.

Her recommendation is to steer clear of processed foods, incorporate physical activity and strength training into your daily schedule, reduce alcohol intake, and refrain from smoking.

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides support to the Associated Press Health and Science Department. The AP is fully responsible for all of its content.