1. What is the Gail Model?

The Gail Model is a statistical tool that estimates a woman's risk of developing invasive breast cancer over specific time periods. It considers multiple risk factors including age, reproductive history, family history, and previous breast biopsies.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Gail Model equation:

Where:

• Age — Current age in years
• Age at Menarche — Age when periods began
• Number of Biopsies — Previous breast biopsies
• Age at First Birth — Age at first live birth or nulliparity
• First Degree Relatives — Number with breast cancer
• Race — Ethnic background

Explanation: The model weights each factor differently to calculate a personalized risk estimate.

3. Importance of Risk Assessment

Details: Accurate risk assessment helps guide screening recommendations and preventive strategies. Women with higher risk may benefit from more frequent screening or risk-reducing interventions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all requested information accurately. The calculator is designed for women aged 35 years or older without previous breast cancer or DCIS.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does the 5-year risk percentage mean?
A: It estimates your chance of developing invasive breast cancer in the next 5 years compared to average-risk women of the same age.

Q2: What is considered high risk?
A: Generally, ≥1.67% 5-year risk is considered above average and may qualify for additional screening.

Q3: Does the model account for BRCA mutations?
A: No, the Gail Model does not include genetic testing results. Women with known BRCA mutations should consult genetic counselors.

Q4: How accurate is the Gail Model?
A: It performs well for population-level risk assessment but may be less accurate for individuals with very high-risk factors.

Q5: Should this replace medical advice?
A: No, this calculator provides estimates only. Discuss your results with your healthcare provider.