Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment Calculator (Educational)
Estimate your 10-year and lifetime breast cancer risk category using common risk factors. This tool is for education and planning conversations with your clinician—it is not a medical diagnosis.
Important: The real Tyrer-Cuzick (IBIS) model used in clinical settings includes additional details and should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional.
What this tyrer cuzick risk assessment calculator is for
The Tyrer-Cuzick model (also called the IBIS model) is widely used to estimate breast cancer risk. It combines personal, reproductive, and family history factors to estimate a person’s future risk over time. This page gives you a practical, easy-to-use educational version so you can better understand your risk profile before talking with your doctor.
If your result is elevated or high, that does not mean you have cancer. It means your screening plan may need to be adjusted—for example, earlier mammograms, MRI consideration, genetic counseling, or prevention discussions.
How risk is estimated
Risk models do not rely on one factor alone. Instead, they combine multiple inputs to produce a probability estimate. Key factors include:
- Age and menopausal status
- Family history in first-degree relatives
- BRCA mutation status (if known)
- Breast biopsy findings such as atypia or LCIS
- Breast density, which affects both risk and screening sensitivity
- Reproductive and hormonal history
- Body composition metrics such as BMI
How to interpret your result
Common risk bands
- Average risk: lower estimated short-term and lifetime probability.
- Elevated risk: above average, usually worth a focused prevention conversation.
- High risk: often triggers enhanced screening discussions.
- Very high risk: may merit specialist referral, genetics, and closer surveillance.
In many practices, a lifetime risk of 20% or higher may prompt annual MRI in addition to mammography, depending on age and individual context. Local guidelines vary, so your clinician’s recommendation is what matters most.
What this tool does not replace
This calculator is educational and intentionally simplified. It does not replace a full clinical assessment, breast imaging interpretation, pathology review, or genetic counseling. A clinical Tyrer-Cuzick report may include:
- Detailed extended pedigree (multiple generations)
- Age of diagnosis for affected relatives
- Specific benign breast disease categories
- Ethnicity/genetic probability structures
- More precise hormonal timelines
When to speak with a clinician soon
- You have a known BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation.
- Two or more close relatives had early breast or ovarian cancer.
- You have atypical hyperplasia or LCIS history.
- Your lifetime estimate is near or above 20%.
- You are unsure how your family history should be interpreted.
Practical risk-reduction habits
Not every risk factor is modifiable, but some are. You can discuss these with your care team:
- Maintain a healthy body weight and regular physical activity.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Keep up with guideline-based screening.
- Review hormone therapy duration and type with your clinician.
- Consider genetics referral when family history suggests inherited risk.
FAQ
Is this the official IBIS calculator?
No. This is an educational approximation designed to help you understand major risk drivers and prepare for a medical appointment.
Can this diagnose cancer?
No. Risk calculators estimate probability; they do not diagnose disease. Diagnosis requires clinical evaluation and appropriate testing.
What if I get a high-risk result?
Use the result as a prompt to discuss personalized screening and prevention options with your physician or breast specialist.