1. What is the Gail Model for LCIS?

The Gail Model is a risk assessment tool that estimates a woman's risk of developing lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) based on age, family history, and other factors. It helps identify women who may benefit from increased surveillance or preventive measures.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Gail Model equation:

Where:

• \( Age \) — Current age in years
• \( Family\ History \) — Presence of breast cancer in first-degree relatives
• \( LCIS \) — History of lobular carcinoma in situ

Explanation: The model combines these factors to estimate 5-year and lifetime risk of developing LCIS.

3. Importance of Risk Calculation

Details: Accurate risk assessment helps guide screening recommendations and preventive strategies for women at increased risk of LCIS.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your current age, indicate if you have a family history of breast cancer, and specify if you have a history of LCIS. All values are required for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered high risk for LCIS?
A: Generally, a 5-year risk ≥1.67% is considered elevated, though thresholds may vary by guideline.

Q2: How accurate is the Gail Model?
A: The model has good discrimination for population-level risk but may be less accurate for individuals with very high or very low risk.

Q3: What other factors affect LCIS risk?
A: Factors like reproductive history, hormone use, breast density, and genetic mutations also influence risk but aren't included in this basic model.

Q4: Should this be used for screening decisions?
A: The results should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine appropriate screening and prevention strategies.

Q5: How often should risk be reassessed?
A: Risk should be reassessed every 1-2 years or when significant risk factors change.