Which threshold defines high risk according to the 5-year Gail model?

• A. ≥1.7%
• B. ≥5%
• C. ≥2.5%
• D. ≥0.5%

Answer: (A)

The key idea is knowing the cutoff used by the 5-year Gail model to flag someone as high risk. The Gail model estimates the chance of developing invasive breast cancer in the next five years based on factors such as age, reproductive history, prior breast biopsies, and first-degree relatives with breast cancer. In clinical practice, a five-year risk of about 1.7% or higher is considered high risk, because this level is where discussion of preventive options (like chemoprevention with selective agents or more vigilant screening) is warranted. So the best threshold to define high risk is 1.7% for the next five years.