Actress Olivia Munn, who has spoken candidly about her 2023 breast cancer diagnosis, shared a powerful new development: her mother, Kim, was also diagnosed with breast cancer after taking the same risk assessment test that led to Munn’s own diagnosis.In an Instagram post, Munn said her mother was diagnosed with Stage 1 HER2-positive breast cancer, a fast-growing but often treatable type of the disease. Her diagnosis came after Munn encouraged her mom and sister to take a free online breast cancer risk assessment, known as the Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Model.The tool, which is publicly accessible and widely recommended by experts, calculates a woman’s five-year and lifetime risk of developing breast cancer using a combination of factors like age, family history, genetics, reproductive history, and more.“My mom scored 26.2%. Her yearly mammogram had just come out clear, but because of that high score I insisted she get an MRI,” Munn wrote. That MRI led to her mother’s diagnosis—despite no red flags on her recent mammogram.Since then, Kim has completed 12 rounds of chemotherapy, and Munn says she will continue monthly Herceptin infusions until the fall. Kim also underwent a double mastectomy, just like her daughter did.Munn’s social media post included photos and videos of her mother receiving treatment, preparing meals after surgery, and eventually ringing the bell after her last chemo session, surrounded by hospital staff holding signs.“She’s handled all of this with bravery and humor,” Munn wrote, adding that her mom insisted on cooking and doing laundry days after surgery. “She’s insane—but I’m so proud of her.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by o l i v i a (@oliviamunn)]]>What Is the Tyrer-Cuzick Breast Cancer Risk Test?The Tyrer-Cuzick model, also called the IBIS Risk Evaluator, is a mathematical tool used by healthcare professionals to estimate a woman’s likelihood of developing breast cancer. It’s based on clinical and personal information, such as:Family history of breast and ovarian cancerAge and age of first periodMenopausal statusBreast densityGenetic markers (like BRCA mutations, if tested)This model is often used alongside other screening tools to determine whether a woman might benefit from additional imaging like MRI scans or preventive treatments.According to the National Cancer Institute, a lifetime risk over 20% is considered high, and patients in this category may need more aggressive or frequent screening than standard mammograms alone.Why Mammograms Aren’t Always Enough For Breast Cancer Detection?One of the most startling takeaways from Munn’s story is this: Kim’s mammogram had come back clean. It was only after reviewing her Tyrer-Cuzick score and following up with a breast MRI that the cancer was detected.This is not uncommon. Mammograms are essential but not foolproof. They can miss up to 20% of breast cancers, particularly in women with dense breast tissue.For women at higher risk, breast MRIs offer greater sensitivity and can detect tumors that mammograms might miss.When Cancer Runs in the Family, What How Genetics Increase Risk?Munn’s story highlights a critical issue—hereditary risk, and how understanding it can help catch cancer early or even prevent it. Her case, and her mother’s, raise an important question:Can Breast Cancer Be Inherited from a Parent—and What Should You Do If It Runs in Your Family?Yes, breast cancer can absolutely run in families. According to the American Cancer Society, about 5% to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary, meaning they're caused by gene mutations passed down from a parent.The most well-known mutations are in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which significantly increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. But other genes—such as PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM—have also been linked to elevated breast cancer risk. Here’s what to keep in mind if you have a family history:1. Know Your HistoryIf your mother, sister, grandmother, or even male relatives had breast or ovarian cancer—especially before age 50—your risk may be elevated. Multiple family members with cancer, or cases of both breast and ovarian cancer in one family, are red flags.2. Get a Risk AssessmentTools like the Tyrer-Cuzick model help calculate your personal risk level using both genetic and lifestyle factors. Many healthcare providers use it to guide recommendations for further testing or screening.3. Consider Genetic CounselingIf your risk appears high, a genetic counselor can help you decide whether to undergo genetic testing. This is especially useful if you’re unsure of your family’s medical history or come from an ethnic background with higher BRCA mutation prevalence (e.g., Ashkenazi Jewish).4. Screening and PreventionIf you’re identified as high-risk, you may be advised to begin annual MRIs and mammograms starting earlier than age 40. Some women also explore preventive surgeries or chemoprevention medications.5. Talk to Your FamilyOpen conversations can save lives. Munn’s insistence that her mother and sister take the risk assessment directly led to her mom’s early diagnosis. Knowledge really is power when it comes to hereditary cancer risk.Olivia Munn’s openness about her breast cancer journey and now her mother’s—shines a light on the power of preventive care and family advocacy. Her message is clear: Don’t wait for symptoms. Know your risk. Act early.“Anything above 20% is considered high risk, and you should insist your doctor order a breast MRI,” she urged in her Instagram post.And while genetics may predispose us to certain conditions, timely testing, awareness, and action can change the outcome. In this case, one family’s proactive approach saved two lives. It could do the same for yours.