Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Links and Risk Factors
Rewritten Article:
There's a clear connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, primarily due to genetic factors. This bond is particularly notable for individuals carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Breast and ovarian cancer share some fundamental genetic risk factors. People with these shared risks may have an elevated risk for both cancers.
Common risk factors involve aging, excess weight, and never carrying a pregnancy to term. These factors can possibly be influenced, with some like maintaining a moderate weight being within your control.
Do breast and ovarian cancer increase the risk of each other?
Individuals who have battled breast cancer often face an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, according to research. This surge in risk is more pronounced if the breast cancer is related to genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2. However, this increased risk stems from the underlying genetic factors rather than the disease itself.
Research indicates that people with a history of breast cancer may be roughly twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer. On the other hand, those who've fought ovarian cancer may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, though the risk varies as time progresses since the first cancer diagnosis.
People with ovarian cancer also face an increased risk of developing breast cancer, often due to genetic mutations.
Other risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers
BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations account for the majority of significant shared risk factors. Research suggests that around 50% of families with both ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 gene mutations, while approximately 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
Other shared risk factors include:
- a family history of either cancer
- advanced age, with ovarian cancer typically affecting individuals over 40 years and breast cancer those 55 years and older
- excess weight
- giving birth late
- never having children
- not breastfeeding
- hormone therapy after menopause
Can people reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer?
Some risk factors, like a history of breast or ovarian cancer, are unchangeable. Managing these unchangeable risk factors involves careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
A history of breast or ovarian cancer escalates the risk of each other, especially if these cancers are related to genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. You cannot change this risk factor, but you can manage it.
Healthcare professionals may advise frequent and thorough screenings for people with a history of breast or ovarian cancer to catch any new cancers early. This may include undergoing:
- regular mammograms
- breast MRI scans
- pelvic exams
- transvaginal ultrasounds
- CA-125 blood tests
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations form the best strategies for monitoring and prevention.
For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors may consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries. These procedures involve removing organs or tissues to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
Modifiable risk factors
Changeable risk factors include:
- Maintaining a Moderate Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity might cause higher estrogen levels, raising the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer and might also lower the risk of ovarian cancer. Exercise can help you maintain a moderate weight and may also have direct anticancer effects.
- Moderating Alcohol Intake: Limiting alcohol consumption decreases the risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with alcohol consumption, so healthcare professionals may recommend moderating intake.
- Oral Contraceptives: Oral contraceptives may lower the risk of ovarian cancer. However, 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 study published in 2020 suggests that people battling both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively positive outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of approximately 90%.
The prognosis tends to be more optimistic when the interval between the two diseases is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer often involves a later diagnosis, which can negatively affect survival.
Age at the first cancer diagnosis and the time between the two cancers significantly impact the overall survival.
Several factors can influence a person's outlook. If someone wants more information about their personal outlook, they can consult their healthcare team.
When to Speak with a Doctor
People should discuss with their doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially if they have a family history of these diseases.
It's essential 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 crucial to improve outcomes.
Cancer Resources
Visit our dedicated cancer hub for more evidence-based information and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
- People with ovarian cancer might have an increased risk of the following cancers:
- breast cancer
- bladder cancer
- bile duct cancer
- colorectal cancer
- acute leukemia
- melanoma of the eye
- Breast cancer may spread to the ovaries, although it is less common in early stages. This occurrence is more likely in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers or people with BRCA mutations.
- People at high risk of ovarian cancer typically 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
- aged 40 years or older
Recap
Genetic and lifestyle factors play crucial roles in the development of both breast and ovarian cancer. Here are the essential contributors:
Shared Genetic Risk Factors
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes: Inherited mutations significantly increase the risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancer.
- Other genes: CHEK2 and PALB2 also contribute to breast cancer risk but are less commonly associated with ovarian cancer.
Shared Lifestyle and Non-genetic Risk Factors
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese raises the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT use can stimulate cancer cell growth.
- Reproductive Factors: Early menarche, late menopause, and fewer children influence the risk of both cancers.
- Lifestyle Factors: While not as direct, factors such as diet and physical activity impact overall cancer risk, though they are less strongly linked to ovarian cancer.
These factors illustrate the intricate balance between genetics and lifestyle in the development of breast and ovarian cancer. By understanding these dynamics, you can make informed decisions to minimize your risk and improve your overall health.
- The link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer is primarily due to shared genetic factors, particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.
- Individuals who have had breast cancer might have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, with the risk being more pronounced for those with genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- Maintaining a moderate weight is one modifiable factor that can help decrease the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
- Other shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer include family history, aging, never carrying a pregnancy to term, giving birth late, not breastfeeding, and hormone therapy after menopause.
- For those carrying genetic mutations, preventive measures may include prophylactic surgeries and frequent, thorough screenings.
- People with ovarian cancer might also have an increased risk of other cancers, such as bladder cancer, bile duct cancer, colorectal cancer, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
