After covering actress Olivia Munn’s breast cancer journey, Inside Edition reporter Alison Hall, 33, decided to take the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool. The results, a 36% lifetime risk, prompted further screenings and led to an early diagnosis of stage zero breast cancer. Hall is now scheduled for a double mastectomy and aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(561×0:563×2)/alison-hall-breast-cancer-5-011025-e136e927bf144c6ca3caa8103bcfdc56.jpg)
Inspired by Olivia Munn’s Story
Hall’s journey began with Munn’s revelation in March 2024 that the same risk assessment tool “saved her life” by enabling early detection of her breast cancer, leading to a double mastectomy. This prompted Hall, despite having no prior knowledge of the tool, to undergo the assessment herself.
Understanding the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT), also known as the Gail Model, is used by healthcare professionals to estimate a woman’s risk of developing invasive breast cancer within five years and over her lifetime (up to age 90). The tool considers factors like age, menstrual history, family history of breast cancer, and prior biopsies.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(423×0:425×2)/alison-hall-breast-cancer-3-011025-d57031b9becd43c8859fc3d454e12758.jpg)
A High-Risk Result and Early Detection
Hall’s 36% lifetime risk, similar to Munn’s 37%, classified her as high-risk, necessitating annual mammograms and breast MRIs starting at age 30. While surprised by the high score, Hall proceeded with the recommended screenings. In October 2024, her first breast MRI revealed stage zero breast cancer, or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This is a non-invasive form of breast cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of the milk duct but haven’t spread to surrounding tissue.
The Power of Early Detection and Proactive Healthcare
Hall credits the risk assessment tool and Munn’s story for her early diagnosis, emphasizing that without them, detection might have been delayed by several years. She expressed gratitude for the early discovery, acknowledging the potentially life-altering impact.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749×0:751×2)/alison-hall-breast-cancer-4-011025-31910be016754165b792ec5dbb12425b.jpg)
Choosing a Double Mastectomy
After extensive research and reflection, Hall opted for a double mastectomy to address her current cancer and significantly reduce future risks. She views the surgery as a way to regain control after the initial shock and uncertainty of the diagnosis. She also hopes to avoid the experiences her mother faced battling breast cancer.
Support from Olivia Munn and a Mission to Raise Awareness
Prior to her scheduled surgery on January 13th, Hall received a message of support from Munn, praising her bravery and highlighting the impact of sharing her story. Inspired by Munn’s influence, Hall is determined to use her platform to encourage others to be proactive about their health and utilize the risk assessment tool.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(561×0:563×2)/alison-hall-breast-cancer-1-011025-419ac972e30e456293a8e9ed9e3094ae.jpg)
Hall believes in the power of storytelling and hopes her experience will prompt others to take the necessary steps for early detection and potentially save lives. She emphasizes the urgency of utilizing available resources and not delaying potentially life-saving screenings.
