Real-World Evidence for Breast Cancer Risk Stratification: Insights from the P.I.N.K. Study

Abstract

Simple Summary Early detection of breast cancer greatly improves outcomes, with the 5-year survival rate reaching 99% when the disease is found at an early stage. One promising approach to improve early detection is risk-based breast screening, which tailors screening recommendations according to a woman’s individual risk factors, including medical history, personal characteristics, and lifestyle habits. The Prevention, Imaging, Network, Knowledge (P.I.N.K.) study was created to collect real-world data from a large group of women across Italy and to support the development of more personalized breast cancer screening strategies. By combining information gathered during routine breast clinic visits with answers provided by women through a structured questionnaire, we examined factors associated with the development of breast cancer. Our findings identified several personal characteristics that were more strongly linked to breast cancer occurrence, highlighting the value of integrating clinical and self-reported information to better understand individual risk and support more targeted prevention and screening efforts. By providing additional evidence on the contribution of potentially modifiable risk factors, this study helps identify priorities for future research aimed at improving breast cancer risk stratification, informing the development of more targeted screening strategies, and facilitating discussions with women about the impact of lifestyle on breast cancer risk.