When actress Olivia Munn recently shared her breast cancer journey on CBS Sunday Morning, she highlighted something many women have never heard of—but should: the Tyrer-Cuzick test (or risk score).

Her story is powerful, not just because of her diagnosis, but because it underscores how modern breast cancer risk assessment tools can help detect potential concerns avant symptoms appear.

At Hancock Health, we believe stories like Munn’s are an opportunity to educate and empower our community on santé du sein.

The Tyrer-Cuzick test is a specialized risk assessment tool that estimates a woman’s likelihood of developing breast cancer over time. Unlike basic screening guidelines, this model takes a more comprehensive look at your personal breast cancer risk by considering:

Tyrer-Cuzick score, or TC score, estimates a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer over her
lifetime.

For Olivia Munn, this test revealed a significantly elevated lifetime risk—despite having no obvious symptoms. That insight ultimately led to further imaging, early detection, and life-saving treatment.

Many women assume that routine mammograms alone are enough. While mammograms are essential, they don’t always tell the full story—especially for those at higher risk.

Munn’s experience highlights three key takeaways:

1. Risk is not always obvious

2. Early knowledge changes outcomes

3. Advocacy is essential

At Hancock Health, we encourage patients to go beyond routine annual wellness care and explore personalized risk assessments. You may benefit from additional screening if you:

Our breast health nurse navigators can help determine whether tools like the Tyrer-Cuzick test are appropriate for you and guide you through next steps.

Additionally, Hancock Health partners with Ambry Genetics, a leader in clinical and diagnostic testing, to utilize the Ambry CARE Program™ to identify patients at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. You can access your risk level for free via their online tool.

Olivia Munn’s story is a reminder that proactive care saves lives. Breast cancer detected early is far more treatable—and in many cases, preventable with the right information.

If you’ve never had a breast cancer risk assessment, now is the time to start the conversation.

And if you are worried about the cost of preventative care, our Women’s Clinic serves at-risk uninsured or underinsured women who meet income guidelines. The clinic provides a variety of essential services, including: mammograms, breast and pelvic ultrasounds, breast MRIs, biopsies, and more.

Health care should never be a one-way conversation. Hancock Health believes in making women’s voices heard – that’s why our Santé des femmes is built for the whole you.

Talk to your provider. Ask about your risk. And take the next step toward informed, personalized care.