Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk Calculator
Uses tumor grade and lymphatic characteristics to determine the risk of malignancy recurrence.
In the text below the tool you can find more information about the original study and about the correlation between scores and cancer risk.
The breast cancer recurrence risk calculator accounts for malignancy recurrence factors such as tumor grade and status of lymph nodes to predict the risk of breast cancer reappearing.
Upon the evaluation of the factors, a score in points is calculated, which is then correlated with recurrence risk.
The recurrence risk calculator is based on a study conducted by O'Rourke et al. in 1994 on a cohort of 966 patients with a median follow up period of seven years.
It was found that three factors can accurately predict recurrence risk.
The study also proposed adjuvant irradiation of the flaps for patients with high scores.
Send Us Your Feedback
Steps on how to print your input & results:
1. Fill in the calculator/tool with your values and/or your answer choices and press Calculate.
2. Then you can click on the Print button to open a PDF in a separate window with the inputs and results. You can further save the PDF or print it.
Please note that once you have closed the PDF you need to click on the Calculate button before you try opening it again, otherwise the input and/or results may not appear in the pdf.
Factors considered and result interpretation
This calculator evaluates recurrence risk in the case of patients suffering from breast cancer or metastatic disease.
The three risk factors found to have predictive value are:
■ Grade of tumor;
■ Lymph nodes;
■ Lymphatic or vascular invasion.
The higher the grade of breast tumor, the higher the risk of recurrence because the cells are more prone to subsequent activation and proliferation.
Lymphatic or vascular invasion refers to the presence of breast cancer cells in the lymphatic or vascular system.
There are two types of recurrence:
■ At the original site (breast, chest or lymph nodes in the armpit);
■ Metastasis or distant recurrence (most common in the bones, liver or lungs).
The first five years after treatment are the years with the highest recurrence risk (11%). However, the percentage increase where the patient has a family history of malignancy or presents BRCA gene mutations.
Localized recurrence is diagnosed through physical exam and mammogram whilst metastasis is usually recognized after specific symptoms and testing of the suspected affected organ.
The table below introduces the correlation between scores from the calculator and the associated cancer recurrence risks:
Score | Risk |
16 | 8.50% |
20 | 12.50% |
22 | 15.80% |
26 | 10% |
28 | 15.50% |
32 | 33% |
34 | 38.50% |
38 | 48% |
About the study
The original study from 1994 involved analysis of data on a cohort of 966 patients with median follow up period of seven years. The outcome was the following:
■ 223 developed local recurrence (appx 50% of cases were small single lesions);
■ 70 developed multiple discrete lesions;
■ 21 developed diffuse carcinomatous dermal infiltration.
This led O'Rourke et al. to the creation of a predictive index with three variables.
In the case of women scoring high, adjuvant irradiation should be recommended to decrease the likelihood of malignancy recurrence.
Breast cancer recurrence factors
Beside lymph node involvement and tumor histologic grade, there are other prognostic indicators such as:
■ Tumor size;
■ Hormone receptors – significant levels of estrogen receptors;
■ Nuclear grade or proliferative capacity;
■ Oncogene expression of the cancer gene.
A local recurrence may be suspected following changes in the size, shape or contour of the breast along with changes in the feel or appearance of the breast or nipple.
In some cases, the skin may be dimpled, red or swollen. A lump or thickening may or may not be observed near the breast or in the underarm.
To lower recurrence risk, therapy with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors may be initiated. Lifestyle changes may also help, such as healthy dieting, regular exercise and no excessive drinking.
In order to increase chances of rapid diagnostic and intervention, breast cancer survivors are recommended regular mammograms, preferably 3D in addition to the traditional digital ones.
Original source
O'Rourke S, Galea MH, Morgan D, Euhus D, Pinder S, Ellis IO, Elston CW, Blamey RW. Local recurrence after simple mastectomy. Br J Surg. 1994; 81(3):386-9.
Other references
1. Pinder SE, Ellis IO, Elston CW. Prognostic factors in primary breast carcinoma. J Clin Pathol. 1995; 48(11): 981–983.
2. Neri A, Marrelli D, Rossi S, De Stefano A, Mariani F, De Marco G, Caruso S, Corso G, Cioppa T, Pinto E, Roviello F. Breast cancer local recurrence: risk factors and prognostic relevance of early time to recurrence. World J Surg. 2007; 31(1):36-45.
Specialty: Oncology
Objective: Risk Predictor
Type: Calculator
No. Of Variables: 3
Year Of Study: 1994
Article By: Denise Nedea
Published On: May 28, 2017 · 09:07 AM
Last Checked: May 28, 2017
Next Review: May 28, 2023