press release: Comparison of available breast cancer risk assessment tools shows room for improvement

"All of these models have major limitations, say the authors. Most important is their reliance on known risk factors. Studies have shown that up to 60% of breast cancers arise in the absence of any known risk factors. Also, except for the Gail model, none of the models has been extensively validated, and most do not include nonhereditary factors. The Gail model has limited ability to discriminate between individuals at risk, especially those in higher-risk groups, according to the authors."