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Enhancing Breast Cancer Risk Prediction with Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS)


Polygenic risk score breast cancer

As our understanding of genetic risk factors for diseases like breast cancer continues to evolve, new tools like Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) are reshaping how we predict and manage health risks. PRS take into account the collective impact of numerous small genetic variants, helping to refine risk predictions beyond traditional single-gene assessments. While single high-risk mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 are well known, PRS allows for a more personalized risk profile by incorporating the influence of multiple, less significant variants. This can be especially useful in identifying those at higher risk, even if they don’t carry a major gene mutation.


However, it’s important to recognize the challenges that come with this evolving technology. PRS may not yet be equally effective across diverse populations due to the limited data. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring that all individuals benefit from advancements in risk assessment. For instance, ensuring accurate calibration and reducing over- or underestimation of risks for diverse populations are critical next steps as PRS becomes more integrated into routine care.


Beyond genetics, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and occupational hazards play vital roles in determining health outcomes. Risk factors such as night shift work, diets high in processed or BBQ meats, low Vitamin D levels, and alcohol use are often overlooked in conventional models but can significantly impact breast cancer risk. This underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to risk assessment and prevention.


"While Polygenic Risk Scores offer valuable insights into breast cancer risk, it’s essential to approach their application with a balanced perspective. The HealthPrevent360 program evaluates these genetic insights within the broader context of lifestyle, environmental, and occupational risk factors, ensuring our approach remains comprehensive and scientifically grounded." — Dr. Andres Jimenez, Founder and CEO of HealthPrevent360


The HealthPrevent360 program goes beyond genetic risk assessments like PRS by integrating additional key data points, such as environmental exposures, lifestyle habits, and behavioral factors. For example, risks associated with factors like night shift work, dietary patterns high in processed or BBQ meats, and alcohol use, often overlooked in standard models, are considered in our comprehensive prevention plan. This holistic perspective empowers our clients to make informed decisions about their health and prevention strategies.


Through a personalized, physician-directed evaluation, our program delivers a thorough understanding of each individual’s risk factors and health profile. The result is a detailed 5-Year Prevention Action Plan that includes not just standard screenings and tests but also advanced options like liquid biopsies and full-body MRI scans for those seeking extra peace of mind. By considering the full picture—including genetics, environment, lifestyle, and personal goals—HealthPrevent360 offers an evidence-based roadmap for staying healthier, longer.

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