Online Tools to Help Understand Breast Cancer and Treatment Risks
Breast cancer survivors often want to know their risk of recurrence and potential treatment side effects. While these estimates are not a substitute for medical advice, several online tools can help you understand factors that may influence your personal risk
Predict Breast Cancer (UK)
Developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge, this free online tool uses details like age, tumor size, grade, hormone receptor status, and treatment options to estimate survival and recurrence risk. It’s simple to use and widely trusted by both patients and doctors
CancerMath
An online calculator that provides estimates of cancer mortality, life expectancy without therapy, and the benefit of therapy based on tumor size, HER-2 status, nodal involvement, grade and treatment details such as hormone therapy and chemotherapy
MSKCC DCIS Recurrence Nomogram
By Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, this free online tool estimates the risk of recurrence for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) after surgery. It uses details such as age, tumor size, margin width, and treatment choices (like radiation or hormone therapy) to give a personalized risk estimate
Neoadjuvant Therapy Outcomes
This free online calculator from MD Anderson Cancer Center estimates the likelihood of 5-year survival outcomes for patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. It uses factors such as tumor stage, estrogen receptor status, and tumor grade to provide personalized estimates, helping patients and doctors plan treatment
CARG Chemotherapy Toxicity
Created by the Cancer and Aging Research Group, this free online calculator estimates the risk of chemotherapy side effects in older adults with cancer. It uses information like age, type of cancer, lab results, medications, and daily activity level to predict the likelihood of serious side effects from chemotherapy
Using These Tools Safely
Remember: these tools are guides, not guarantees—your doctor is the best source for understanding your personal risk
Online calculators and genomic tests can provide helpful insights, but they are not a substitute for medical advice. Results are based on averages, not individual circumstances, and may not reflect all the factors unique to you. If you decide to try one of these tools, use it as a starting point for conversations with your healthcare team. They can explain what the numbers mean in your specific situation and help guide the next steps in your care.
Using the Tools: FAQs
Have a concern? Guidance for Using the Tools
No. These tools provide estimates and probabilities, not exact outcomes. They are meant to help patients and caregivers understand options and risks, but cannot predict individual experiences.
Each tool uses different data, populations, and calculations. For example, PREDICT and CancerMath focus on survival estimates, while the MSKCC DCIS nomogram predicts recurrence risk for a specific condition. Comparing results can give context, but always discuss them with your doctor.
Not necessarily. These numbers are probabilities, not certainties, and many factors (new treatments, follow-up care, lifestyle) influence outcomes. Always share concerns with your doctor—support and interventions are available.
It can help you understand likely responses to pre-surgery therapy, but decisions should always be made with your oncologist, who considers your overall health, tumor characteristics, and personal preferences.
The nomogram uses historical patient data to estimate risk. It is a guideline, not a guarantee, and is most helpful when discussed with your medical team to guide monitoring and treatment decisions.
It’s designed primarily for older adults considering chemotherapy, especially those with other health conditions. The results are most useful when reviewed with your oncologist to guide treatment decisions.
No. These tools are informational and educational. They can help you understand risks, outcomes, and options, but treatment decisions should always be made with your healthcare team, who can interpret the results in the context of your personal situation.
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