Connection between breast and ovarian cancer: Identified factors and associated risks
Laying Bare the Unspoken Link: There's a strong, stealthy connection between breast and ovarian cancer. This link primarily stems from shared genetic factors, especially when it comes to mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Breast cancer and ovarian cancer not only share some underlying genetic risk factors but also raise the chances of the other in people carrying these risk factors. Age, being overweight, carrying a pregnancy to term for the first time, and never having children are other risk factors shared by both cancers. However, these factors may be influenced by personal choices.
Do Breast and Ovarian Cancers Amplify Each Other’s Risk?
Medical findings suggest that breast cancer survivors could have a heightened risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if their breast cancer was linked to genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. This increased risk is primarily due to the shared genetic background rather than the disease itself. Research indicates that individuals with breast cancer are roughly twice as likely to develop primary ovarian cancer later on.
On the flip side, ovarian cancer survivors face a 1.6-fold increased risk of breast cancer, although this risk varies with the time since their initial diagnosis. People with ovarian cancer also have an elevated risk of developing breast cancer, often due to inherited genetic mutations.
Other Risk Factors for Breast and Ovarian Cancers
Apart from genetic mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, there are other risk factors shared by both cancers. These include a family history of either cancer, older age, being overweight or obese, having a first child over the age of 30, never having children, not breastfeeding, and hormone therapy after menopause.
Research indicates that around 40% of families with ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 gene mutations, while approximately 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
Lowering the Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Since some risk factors cannot be altered, managing these unchanging factors can involve careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and—in certain cases—preventive medical procedures. A history of breast or ovarian cancer raises the risk of the other cancer, particularly if these cancers are related to genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2. However, this risk factor remains unchangeable.
Healthcare professionals may recommend more frequent and detailed screenings for people with a history of breast or ovarian cancer to catch any new cancer growth early. This may involve regular mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests. Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations can help guide monitoring and preventive strategies.
Modifiable Risk Factors
Modifiable risk factors that can be controlled include weight, regular exercise, alcohol consumption, and oral contraceptives. Maintaining a moderate weight, regular physical activity, limiting alcohol intake, and discussing contraception options with a healthcare provider can help reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Prognosis and Outlook
A 2020 observational study suggests that people diagnosed with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have relatively positive 5- and 10-year overall survival rates, around 90%. The outlook is generally brighter when the interval between the two cancers is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to be diagnosed at a later stage, impacting survival rates.
In conclusion, shared genetic factors, particularly mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, play a significant role in the increased risk of both breast and ovarian cancers. People who have had breast or ovarian cancer should work closely with their healthcare team to monitor signs of another cancer. Regular screenings, genetic testing, and maintainable lifestyle changes can help manage the risks associated with these inherited genetic mutations.
[1] "BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer susceptibility, tumor suppressor activity, and breast cancer." National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2359507/[2] "BRCA2 und leukämie: Ursachen, Risikofaktoren, Prävention und Therapie." Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum. https://www.dkrf.de/ifa/fachbeilagen/brca2_und_leukaemie/[3] "BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations found to increased the risk of ovarian cancer in breast cancer patients." American Association for Cancer Research. https://www.aacr.org/news-publications/news/press-releases/brca1-and-brca2-mutations-found-to-increase-the-risk-of-ovarian-cancer-in-breast-cancer-patients.aspx[4] "Understanding the links between breast and ovarian cancer: implications for BRCA1 and BRCA2." Journal of Clinical Oncology. https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2008.22.18_suppl.4005[5] "Primary epithelial ovarian cancer patients should be tested for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other susceptibility genes." Journal of Clinical Oncology. https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2013.52.3295
- Breast and ovarian cancers share genetic risk factors, such as mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which can increase the likelihood of developing both types of cancer.
- Age, being overweight, carrying a pregnancy to term for the first time, and never having children are common risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers.
- Research indicates that breast cancer survivors have a heightened risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if their breast cancer was linked to genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- People with a family history of either breast or ovarian cancer, older age, being overweight or obese, having a first child over the age of 30, never having children, not breastfeeding, and hormone therapy after menopause may have an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
- Modifiable risk factors that can be controlled to reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancers include maintaining a moderate weight, regular physical activity, limiting alcohol intake, and discussing contraception options with a healthcare provider.
- People diagnosed with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have relatively positive 5- and 10-year overall survival rates, but ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to be diagnosed at a later stage, impacting survival rates.
