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Relative risk

Chart showing scale of relative risk

Use this scale to help put relative risk in perspective. Keep in mind that risk seems greater when put in terms of relative risk. A 100 percent increase in risk may seem enormous, but if the risk began as one in 100 people, the risk is increased to two in 100. To some people, this will seem like a large increase in risk. Others will see this as negligible. You and your doctor have to decide what levels of risk are acceptable to you.

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