Connection between breast and ovarian cancer: Identified linkages and risk factors
Rewritten Article:
Let's cut to the chase – there's a solid connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, largely because of genetic factors. And if you've got those BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, well, buckle up, buddy.
Breast and ovarian cancer share some underlying genetic risk factors, and folks with these risk factors might have an elevated risk for both cancers. You might be able to influence some of these risk factors, like hitting and maintaining a healthy weight.
TheLowdown on Breast and Ovarian Cancer Connection
According to the National Cancer Institute, someone who's battled breast cancer could face an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if their breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2. However, this increased risk stems from the underlying genetic factors, not the disease itself.
Research suggests that people with breast cancer are about twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer. Interestingly, those with ovarian cancer might have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, though the risk varies with time since their first cancer diagnosis.
People with ovarian cancer also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, often because of genetic mutations.
Other Risk Factors for Breast and Ovarian Cancers
mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most significant shared risk factors. Research indicates that around 40% of families with histories of both cancers have BRCA1 mutations, and about 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
Other shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers might include:
- a family history of either cancer
- older age (ovarian cancer typically occurs in folks over 40, and breast cancer in those ages 55 or above)
- overweight or obesity
- having a first child later (over 30)
- never having children
- not breastfeeding
- hormone therapy after menopause
Can People Lower the Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer?
Some risk factors, like having had breast or ovarian cancer previously, are fixed. Managing these unchangeable risk factors might involve careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
Healthcare professionals might advise individuals with a history of breast or ovarian cancer to undergo more frequent and thorough screenings to catch any new cancers early. This could involve regular mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests. Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations are the best strategies for monitoring and prevention.
For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors may consider additional options like prophylactic surgeries to remove organs or tissues and prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
Modifiable Risk Factors
Modifiable risk factors include:
- Weight: Maintaining a moderate weight can help lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity may cause higher estrogen levels, which can increases the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer, and limited evidence supports a link with ovarian cancer too. Exercise can help maintain a moderate weight and may have direct anticancer effects.
- Alcohol: Cutting down on alcohol can lessen the risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed, so healthcare professionals may suggest limiting intake.
- Oral Contraceptives: Oral contraceptives might lower the risk of ovarian cancer, but they might slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. People can discuss contraception options with their doctor to weigh the risks based on their situation.
Outlook
A recent observational study in 2020 suggests that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively favorable outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%. The outlook is generally more positive when the interval between the two diseases is longer, but ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to present at a later stage, which can negatively impact survival.
A variety of factors can affect a person's outlook. If someone wants more information about their individual outlook, they can consult their healthcare team.
When to Speak with a Doctor
If signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer surface, especially for someone with a personal or family history of these diseases, it's essential to speak with a doctor. Staying vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer is crucial for prompt treatment and improved outcomes.
Cancer Resources
For more reliable and evidence-based information and resources on cancer, check out our dedicated hub.
FAQs
People with ovarian cancer might face increased risks of other cancers, including:
- breast cancer
- bladder cancer
- bile duct cancer
- colorectal cancer
- acute leukemia
- melanoma of the eye
Breast cancer can metastasize (spread) to the ovaries, although it's relatively uncommon. This might be more likely in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in individuals with BRCA mutations.
Individuals at high risk for ovarian cancer might:
- have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- have a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- have Lynch syndrome
- have endometriosis
- have never been pregnant
- have had a late first pregnancy
- be over 40 years old
Summary
There's a strong link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer due to shared genetic mutations, especially in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. People with BRCA mutations face significantly higher risks of developing both cancers.
A personal or family history of either cancer also increases the likelihood of developing the other, making genetic testing, regular screenings, and preventive measures essential for those at higher risk.
Individuals who have had breast or ovarian cancer can work with their healthcare teams to monitor signs of another cancer.
- Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
- Having a history of breast cancer can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if the breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations.
- People with ovarian cancer have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, often due to genetic mutations.
- A family history of either breast or ovarian cancer is a shared risk factor for both cancers.
- Older age, particularly over 40 for ovarian cancer and ages 55 or above for breast cancer, is another risk factor for both cancers.
- Overweight or obesity can increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
- having a first child later (over 30) and never having children are also shared risk factors for both cancers.
- Not breastfeeding and hormone therapy after menopause can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular physical activity can potentially help reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
- Cutting down on alcohol can lower the risk of breast cancer, and the risk increases with the amount consumed.
- Oral contraceptives may lower the risk of ovarian cancer but slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Maintaining a moderate weight can help lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
- Individuals at high risk for ovarian cancer might have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, never been pregnant, had a late first pregnancy, or be over 40 years old.
