Explaining How Individual Risk Works

Think of risk as putting tickets into a raffle. While you may have several tickets in the raffle, it doesn’t mean that you will be selected. And if you only have one ticket in the raffle, it doesn’t mean you can’t be selected. Risk works the same way.

Having several risk factors may make it more possible to develop breast cancer, but it doesn’t mean you will get it. Just as having very few risk factors doesn’t mean you can’t get it.

Why is it good to know your risk factors for breast cancer? It helps you to make decisions to reduce your risk where possible, and review your screening plan when your risk factors put you at a higher risk than the average population. Why? Because a higher risk could mean a different screening plan that manages your breast health in a better way for you.

Now let's discuss what these 9 risk factors are, and how the "risk assessment" worksheet fits into your discussion.