MyLungRisk: A user-friendly, web-based calculator for risk assessment of lung cancer based on the validated Liverpool Lung Project risk prediction model

Lung cancer is among the most common and fatal malignancies worldwide, and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Self-assessment tools for individualised lung cancer risk could potentially refine our understanding of risk factors, and contribute to disease prevention and earlier detection, thus reducing the disease burden. The originally published algorithm of the validated Liverpool Lung Project risk prediction model for lung cancer was transformed into a web-based questionnaire called MyLungRisk (MLR, www.mylungrisk.org). This provides a user-friendly interface for individuals aged 50-79 years to estimate their risk of developing lung cancer in the next five years. It incorporates epidemiological risk factors such as age, gender, smoking duration, family history of lung cancer, previous history of pneumonia, previous diagnosis of cancer (other than lung cancer) and exposure to asbestos. Upon the completion of the web-based questionnaire, the individual is given an estimated lung cancer risk score for the next five years with an explanation of their risk, as per 100 average people in the population. In addition, advice is provided if the individual completing the questionnaire has any current symptoms (as per UK National Institute for Health and Care guidelines). MLR is a user-friendly interface for lung cancer risk assessment, based on validated scientific modelling. It is the first of its kind to be put on a widely accessible platform to the public. 2014