Estimating Your Risk

The information in Your Disease Risk is based on established science and proven risk factors. A risk factor is proven if the evidence is strong enough to show a link to the disease.

Each question on the web site is related to a number that represents the strength of the association between the risk factor and the disease. As you answer the questions, the numbers are multiplied to equal your personal risk based on the risk factors that apply to you. Your risk is then compared to the average risk for a person your age and sex.

Your Disease Risk may not include information on some things you think affect your risk of a disease. This is because scientific studies haven’t shown a consistent link between those factors and the disease. If a risk factor is not included in the web site, Your Disease Risk doesn't feel it’s a proven risk factor.

The information in Your Disease Risk applies to populations in the US and other western countries.

For more detail on the science behind the site, click here.

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