Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Links and Risk Factors
If you've got a hunch that breast cancer and ovarian cancer are linked, you'd be absolutely right! This connection is primarily due to genetic factors, and it's particularly strong for folks carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Both breast and ovarian cancers share some genetic risk factors, which means people with these risks might be at an increased risk for both cancers. Some of these shared risk factors include age, weight, and reproductive history. Luckily, some of these risk factors can be managed. For instance, achieving and maintaining a moderate weight could help reduce your risk.
Now, let's talk about the link between the two types of cancer. If you've battled breast cancer, it might increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if your breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Research suggests that people with breast cancer are roughly twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer. On the flip side, people with ovarian cancer may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, although the risk varies with time since their first cancer diagnosis.
It's important to note that those with ovarian cancer may also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This might be due to genetic mutations, just as with breast cancer.
Other Risk Factors
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most significant shared risk factors. Around 50% of families with ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 gene mutations, while around 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
Other shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers might include a family history of either cancer, older age, reproductive history, and lifestyle factors like weight, exercise, alcohol intake, and oral contraceptive use.
Reducing the Risk
Some risk factors, like a history of breast or ovarian cancer, are unchangeable. However, managing these unchangeable risk factors through careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and preventive medical procedures can help.
For those at higher risk, doctors may consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries, which involve removing organs or tissues to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
Modifiable Risk Factors
Modifiable risk factors include weight, exercise, alcohol intake, and oral contraceptive use. Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can help reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Regular exercise can also help reduce the risk and maintain a moderate weight, while limiting alcohol intake and considering contraceptive options wisely might also help.
Outlook
A recent study shows 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. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to be diagnosed at a later stage, which can negatively affect survival.
Tips for Staying Healthy
If you notice any signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer, especially with a personal or family history of these diseases, it's essential to speak with a doctor as soon as possible. It's crucial to stay vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer. Early detection and prompt treatment are key for improving outcomes.
For more evidence-based information and resources on cancer, visit our dedicated hub.
FAQs
- Can ovarian cancer patients have an increased risk of bladder, bile duct, colorectal, acute leukemia, or melanoma of the eye?
- Yes, people with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of these cancers.
- Can breast cancer metastasize (spread) to the ovaries?
- Yes, it can, although it is relatively uncommon. This might be more likely in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in people with BRCA mutations.
- Who are at high risk of ovarian cancer?
- People at high risk of ovarian cancer can include those who 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, and are over 40 years of age.
- Genetic mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes can increase an individual's risk for both breast and ovarian cancer.
- Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight, along with regular exercise, can help reduce the risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancer.
- People with a history of breast cancer may have an increased risk of developing subsequent primary ovarian cancer.
- In addition to genetic factors, a family history of either breast or ovarian cancer, older age, reproductive history, weight, exercise, alcohol intake, and oral contraceptive use can be shared risk factors for both types of cancer.
- A recent study shows that people who have both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively favorable outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, which can negatively affect survival.
