Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Links and Risk Factors
Rewritten Article:
Shared Link Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Understanding the Risk Factors
There's a clear connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, largely due to genetic factors. This link is significantly stronger for individuals carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Both cancers share some underlying genetic risk elements. People with these risk factors may have an increased propensity for both cancers.
Predisposing factors include older age, overweight or obesity, and never experiencing a full-term pregnancy. Fortunately, some of these factors can be influenced through lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a moderate weight.
The Interplay: Do Breast and Ovarian Cancer Affect Each Other?
According to research, individuals who have had breast cancer may have an elevated risk of ovarian cancer. This risk is notably higher if the breast cancer is associated with genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. However, this increased risk stems largely from the underlying genetic factors rather than the disease itself.
Research suggests that people with breast cancer are approximately twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer. Similarly, those with ovarian cancer may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, though the risk varies with time since their initial diagnosis.
People with ovarian cancer may also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, often due to genetic mutations.
Other Shared Risk Factors
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most prominent shared risk factors. Around 65% of families with both ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 gene mutations, while approximately 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
Additional shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer may include:
- a family history of either cancer
- older age, with ovarian cancer typically occurring in those over 40 years and breast cancer in those ages 55 years or older
- overweight or obesity
- having a first child over 30 years old
- never having children
- not breastfeeding
- hormone therapy after menopause
Mitigating the Risk
Some risk factors, such as having a history of breast or ovarian cancer, are nonnegotiable. However, managing these inalterable risk factors may involve careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
Healthcare professionals may recommend that people with a history of breast or ovarian cancer undergo more frequent and thorough screenings to catch any new cancers early. This may include undergoing 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 such as prophylactic surgeries. These procedures involve removing organs or tissues to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
Changeable Risk Factors
Modifiable risk factors include:
- Weight: Achieving and maintaining a moderately healthy weight can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity may cause higher estrogen levels, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can decrease the risk of breast cancer. Limited evidence also suggests a link to ovarian cancer. Exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and may also have direct anticancer effects.
- Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake can lower the risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed, so healthcare professionals may recommend limiting intake.
- Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. However, they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. People can discuss contraception options with a doctor to weigh the risks based on their circumstances.
Outlook
A 2020 observational study suggests that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively optimistic outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%. The outlook is generally more promising when the interval between the two diseases is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to involve a later diagnosis, which can negatively impact survival.
When to Speak with a Doctor
People should consult a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially for those with a personal or 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 timely treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
Cancer Resources
For more evidence-based information and resources about cancer, visit our dedicated hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Individuals with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of the following cancers:
- bladder cancer
- bile duct cancer
- colorectal cancer
- acute leukemia
- melanoma of the eye
Breast cancer can metastasize (spread) to the ovaries, although it is relatively rare. When it does occur, it typically develops in people with advanced breast cancer. This may be more likely in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or people with BRCA mutations.
People at high risk of ovarian cancer 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
- age over 40 years
Summary
The connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer is inescapable, largely due to shared genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. People with these mutations have a significantly higher risk of developing both cancers.
Additionally, a personal or family history of one cancer increases the risk of developing the other. This link highlights the importance of genetic testing, regular screenings, and preventive measures for those at higher risk.
Those who have had breast or ovarian cancer can work with their healthcare team to monitor signs of another cancer.
- Carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is a shared risk factor for both breast cancer and ovarian cancer, with 65% of families with both types of cancer having BRCA1 gene mutations.
- People with a history of breast cancer may have an elevated risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if the breast cancer is associated with genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- Similarly, individuals with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, often due to genetic mutations.
- Influencing certain factors, such as maintaining a moderate weight, can help reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer for people with predisposing factors like older age, obesity, or never experiencing a full-term pregnancy.
- For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors may consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries to remove organs or tissues and prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
- People with a personal or family history of ovarian cancer are at an increased risk for developing colorectal, bladder, acute leukemia, melanoma, and breast cancer.
