BC Score Calculator
Breast cancer prognosis depends on many factors such as age, tumor size and grade, lymph node involvement, hormone receptor status, and proliferation index. Accurately assessing these factors helps predict the likely course of the disease, guiding treatment decisions.
The BC Score Calculator is a user-friendly tool designed to estimate your prognostic score based on key clinical and pathological parameters. It provides a risk category, molecular subtype classification, a 5-year survival estimate, and suggested treatment considerations, empowering patients and healthcare providers with valuable insights.
How to Use the BC Score Calculator
Step 1: Enter Patient Information
- Age: Input age in years (0–120).
- Tumor Size: Enter tumor size in centimeters.
- Tumor Grade: Select grade (1 to 3), reflecting how differentiated the tumor cells are.
- Number of Positive Lymph Nodes: Enter the number of lymph nodes affected.
Step 2: Select Hormone Receptor and HER2 Status
Choose the appropriate status for:
- ER (Estrogen Receptor) — Positive or Negative
- PR (Progesterone Receptor) — Positive or Negative
- HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2) — Positive or Negative
Step 3: Enter Ki-67 Proliferation Index
Ki-67 is a marker showing how fast tumor cells are dividing; enter the percentage (0–100%).
Step 4: Calculate
Click Calculate to generate:
- Prognostic Score: A numeric score summarizing risk factors.
- Risk Category: Low, Intermediate, High, or Very High risk.
- Molecular Subtype: Tumor classification like Luminal A or Triple Negative.
- 5-Year Survival Estimate: Approximate survival probability.
- Treatment Recommendation: Suggested treatment approach based on subtype.
Step 5: Reset
Click Reset to clear all fields and enter new data.
What Does the BC Score Calculator Tell You?
- Prognostic Score: A cumulative score based on age, tumor characteristics, lymph node status, receptor statuses, and proliferation index that reflects overall cancer prognosis.
- Risk Category: Categorizes the likelihood of cancer recurrence or progression.
- Molecular Subtype: Identifies the tumor’s biological subtype which influences treatment choices.
- 5-Year Survival Estimate: The percentage chance of survival after 5 years based on prognostic data.
- Treatment Consideration: A general recommendation of therapy type aligned with molecular subtype and risk.
Example
Patient Data:
- Age: 45 years
- Tumor Size: 3.2 cm
- Tumor Grade: 2
- Positive Lymph Nodes: 2
- ER Status: Positive
- PR Status: Positive
- HER2 Status: Negative
- Ki-67: 18%
Calculation Result:
- Prognostic Score: 7
- Risk Category: Intermediate Risk
- Molecular Subtype: Luminal A
- 5-Year Survival Estimate: 80%
- Treatment Recommendation: Hormone Therapy
Why Use the BC Score Calculator?
- Evidence-Based Prognosis: Integrates key clinical markers to provide a comprehensive risk assessment.
- Patient Empowerment: Helps patients understand their condition and treatment options better.
- Clinical Decision Support: Assists doctors with quick estimation of prognosis to tailor treatment.
- Easy and Fast: No complex calculations required; instant results after data entry.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the BC Score Calculator?
It estimates breast cancer prognosis by analyzing key tumor and patient factors.
2. What does tumor grade indicate?
Tumor grade shows how much cancer cells differ from normal cells and their likely aggressiveness.
3. Why is Ki-67 important?
Ki-67 indicates how quickly cancer cells are dividing, affecting treatment choices.
4. What are ER, PR, and HER2 statuses?
They are protein markers that influence tumor behavior and treatment response.
5. How accurate is the 5-year survival estimate?
It’s an estimate based on typical outcomes; individual results may vary.
6. Can this calculator replace medical advice?
No, it’s a tool to support understanding. Always consult an oncologist.
7. What does “molecular subtype” mean?
It categorizes tumors by their receptor and growth characteristics for treatment planning.
8. How is the prognostic score calculated?
By assigning points based on age, tumor size, grade, lymph nodes, receptor status, and Ki-67.
9. Why does age affect prognosis?
Younger patients often have more aggressive disease, influencing risk scoring.
10. Can the number of lymph nodes affect survival?
Yes, more affected nodes typically mean higher risk.
11. What treatment options does the calculator suggest?
Hormone therapy, chemotherapy, HER2-targeted therapy, or combinations depending on subtype.
12. Is HER2 status always positive or negative?
Yes, tumors either express HER2 or do not, affecting treatment.
13. What if I don’t know some inputs?
The calculator requires all key inputs for accurate results.
14. Can this be used for all breast cancer types?
It’s mainly for invasive breast cancers with known receptor status.
15. How often should prognosis be reassessed?
Regularly with medical follow-ups and updated tests.
Conclusion
The BC Score Calculator is a powerful tool that simplifies complex breast cancer prognostic assessments. By consolidating patient and tumor characteristics, it helps estimate risk, survival, and guides treatment strategies effectively. Use this calculator to better understand your prognosis and discuss tailored treatment options with your healthcare provider.