Understanding Absolute Risk Reduction Versus Relative Risk Reduction |
| Let's say the risk of your cancer coming back is 4%. If you take treatment X, the risk
of your cancer coming back is 3%. The difference between 4% and 3% is 1% (4% - 3% = 1%).
The 1% decrease in risk is called "absolute risk reduction." However, your doctor might talk about relative risk reduction instead. He or she might say that your risk will be reduced by 25% if you take treatment X. This is because 1% is 25% of 4% (1% - (3%/4%) = 25%). The 25% decrease in risk is called "relative risk reduction." Ask your doctor to explain which kind of risk reduction she or he is talking about. Sometimes the numbers can be very misleading. |
© 2001, 2002, 2006 National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund
Last reviewed: March 2006