Tyrer-Cuzick Calculator

Category: Other Health
- June 14, 2025
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The Tyrer-Cuzick model calculates a woman's risk of developing breast cancer over the next 10 years and her lifetime risk. This evidence-based tool considers personal and family history factors to provide personalized risk assessment for clinical decision-making.

Important: This calculator is for healthcare professionals and educational purposes only. Results should be interpreted by qualified medical personnel and do not replace clinical judgment.

Personal Information

Age between 20-85 years

Reproductive History

Age at menarche (8-18 years)
Leave blank if no live births
months
years
Only if postmenopausal

Medical History

Family History - First Degree Relatives (Mother, Sisters, Daughters)

Family History - Second Degree Relatives (Grandmothers, Aunts)

Advanced Options

About the Tyrer-Cuzick Model

The Tyrer-Cuzick model (also known as the IBIS model) is a validated risk assessment tool that estimates a woman's probability of developing breast cancer. It incorporates multiple risk factors including personal history, family history, and reproductive factors.

Key Features
  • Comprehensive Assessment: Considers personal, reproductive, and family history factors
  • Validated Model: Extensively validated in diverse populations
  • Clinical Utility: Used for screening decisions and risk-reducing interventions
  • Regular Updates: Model parameters updated based on latest research
Risk Factors Included
  • Personal Factors: Age, height, weight, ethnicity
  • Reproductive History: Age at menarche, parity, age at first birth, breastfeeding
  • Hormonal Factors: Menopause status, HRT use, oral contraceptive use
  • Medical History: Previous biopsies, atypical hyperplasia, LCIS
  • Family History: Breast and ovarian cancer in relatives
  • Genetic Factors: BRCA mutations, Ashkenazi ancestry
Clinical Applications
  • Screening Decisions: Determining appropriate screening intervals and modalities
  • Risk Counseling: Providing personalized risk information to patients
  • Prevention Strategies: Identifying candidates for chemoprevention
  • Genetic Testing: Determining eligibility for genetic counseling and testing
  • Clinical Trials: Stratifying participants by risk level
Limitations
  • Population Validation: Best validated in Caucasian populations
  • Individual Variation: Population-based estimates may not apply to individuals
  • Risk Factor Updates: Some newer risk factors may not be included
  • Clinical Context: Results must be interpreted in clinical context

Medical Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational and clinical decision-support purposes only. It is not intended to replace clinical judgment or medical advice. Risk estimates are based on population data and may not accurately predict individual outcomes. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. The calculator should only be used by healthcare providers familiar with breast cancer risk assessment and management.

What Is the Tyrer-Cuzick Breast Cancer Risk Calculator?

The Tyrer-Cuzick Calculator is a clinical tool used to estimate a woman's risk of developing breast cancer over a 10-year period and across her lifetime. It combines multiple personal, reproductive, and family history factors into a single risk score. This tool helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions about screening and prevention strategies.

10-Year Risk Estimate:
10-Year Risk = Base Age Risk × Risk Multiplier
Lifetime Risk Estimate:
Lifetime Risk ≈ 10-Year Risk × 8

How the Calculator Works

The calculator gathers specific Health and background information to assess breast cancer risk. It takes into account various risk factors including:

  • Current age, height, weight, and ethnicity
  • Reproductive history (e.g., age at first period, number of births)
  • Medical history such as previous biopsies or hormone therapy
  • Family history of breast and ovarian cancer
  • Genetic factors like BRCA mutations or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry

After inputting this information, the tool calculates a personalized risk profile and compares it to average population data. The result includes both percentage risks and a visual breakdown.

How to Use the Calculator

Follow these steps to assess risk using the tool:

  • Enter your personal details such as age, height, and weight
  • Provide reproductive and medical history
  • Include any known family history of breast or ovarian cancer
  • Select applicable genetic or lifestyle risk factors
  • Click the "Calculate Risk" button to generate your results

The tool will display your estimated 10-year and lifetime risk percentages. It also provides a risk category, comparison to average risk, and screening recommendations based on your profile.

Why This Tool Is Useful

Early identification of breast cancer risk can guide appropriate health decisions. The Tyrer-Cuzick model is widely used by professionals to:

  • Support decisions about when to begin screening (e.g., mammograms or MRIs)
  • Assess eligibility for genetic testing or counseling
  • Discuss preventive options like lifestyle changes or medications
  • Inform patients of their personalized risk in an evidence-based way

While similar tools exist for Other conditions—like the GFR Calculator for kidney function or the Body Surface Area Calculator for chemotherapy dosing—the Tyrer-Cuzick Calculator specifically targets breast cancer, offering valuable guidance for clinical and personal health planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who should use this calculator?

This tool is primarily intended for healthcare professionals, but it can also be used for educational purposes by individuals interested in understanding their risk.

Is this calculator a diagnostic tool?

No. It provides a risk estimate, not a diagnosis. Always consult a healthcare provider for interpretation and next steps.

How accurate is the estimate?

The Tyrer-Cuzick model has been validated in various studies, especially in Caucasian populations. However, individual results may vary based on factors not included in the model.

What should I do with the results?

Discuss them with a qualified medical professional. They can help determine whether additional screening, lifestyle changes, or genetic counseling are appropriate.

Conclusion

The Tyrer-Cuzick Calculator is a practical breast cancer risk assessment tool that supports informed healthcare planning. Like other digital health tools—such as the Blood Pressure Calculator for monitoring BP levels or the Corrected Calcium Calculator for managing calcium imbalances—it translates complex data into accessible, actionable insights.

Understanding your risk can empower you to take proactive steps in managing your health. If you're using this tool for yourself, share the results with your doctor to explore personalized screening and prevention strategies.