Abstract: The present invention provides new methods for the assessment of cancer risk in the general population. These methods utilize particular alleles of two or more genes, in combination, to identify individuals with increased or decreased risk of cancer. Exemplified is risk assessment for breast cancer in women. In addition, personal history measures such as age and race are used to further refine the analysis. Using such methods, it is possible to reallocate healthcare costs in cancer screening to patient subpopulations at increased cancer risk. It also permits identification of candidates for cancer prophylactic treatment.