Link between Breast and Ovarian Cancer, along with Identifying Key Risk Factors
Article:
Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Links, Risks, and Prevention
Turns out, there's a strong connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, often due to shared genetic factors. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, for instance, are infamous for their role in increasing cancer risks.
Both breast and ovarian cancers might share some hidden risk factors. People with these risk factors could be at a higher risk for both types of cancer.
Risk factors like older age, being overweight, and skipping childbirth are some you can potentially control. Maintaining a moderate weight is a smart move to lower your risk.
Do Breast and Ovarian Cancer Affect Each Other?
According to experts, folks who've had breast cancer may experience a higher risk of ovarian cancer. This is particularly true if the breast cancer is associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations. The increased risk here isn't due to the disease itself, but underlying genetic factors.
People with ovarian cancer may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of developing subsequent breast cancer, although this risk fluctuates with time since their initial diagnosis. It works both ways – ovarian cancer can increase the risk of breast cancer, too, often due to genetic mutations.
Other Risk Factors for Breast and Ovarian Cancers
Gene mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most impactful shared risk factors. Research suggests that about 45% of families with ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 gene mutations, while approximately 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
Other common risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers may include:
- Family history of either cancer
- Older age (cancers typically occur in those over 40 for ovarian and 55+ for breast)
- Overweight or obesity
- Being first-time parents late in life
- Never having children
- Not breastfeeding
- Hormone therapy after menopause
Can We Reduce Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risks?
Some risk factors, such as past cancer diagnoses, can't be changed. Proper management involves frequent screenings, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
A history of breast or ovarian cancer can boost the risk of the other, especially when related to gene mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2. You can't change this risk factor, but you can manage it.
Healthcare providers may suggest regular mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests for early detection. Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations might be the best prevention strategies.
For those with genetic mutations, doctors may consider additional options like prophylactic surgeries to remove organs or tissues and prevent cancer.
Modifiable Risk Factors
Changeable risk factors include:
- Weight: Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity may cause higher estrogen levels, increasing the risk of breast cancer.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity might reduce the risk of breast cancer. There's also limited evidence supporting a link with ovarian cancer. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and may have direct anticancer effects.
- Alcohol: Cutting back on alcohol can help decrease the risk of breast cancer. The risk rises with the amount of alcohol consumed, so healthcare providers might recommend limiting intake.
- Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives may lower the risk of ovarian cancer, although they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. People can discuss contraception options with a doctor to weigh the risks according to their circumstances.
Prognosis
A 2020 observational study suggests that folks with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a comparatively positive outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%. The outlook is typically more optimistic when the interval between the two cancers is longer. Early-stage ovarian cancer after breast cancer, however, can affect survival rates negatively.
Your age at your first cancer diagnosis and the time between the two cancers can significantly impact survival. Speak with your healthcare team for more information about your individual outlook.
When to Consult a Doctor
Speak with a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially if you have a personal or family history of these diseases. Be vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis. Rapid treatment is crucial for improving outcomes.
Additional Resources for Cancer Information
For more evidence-based information and resources on cancer, visit our dedicated hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Besides breast cancer, people with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of other cancers, such as:
- Bladder cancer
- Bile duct cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Acute leukemia
- Melanoma of the eye
Breast cancer can spread to the ovaries, although it's uncommon, especially in cases of advanced breast cancer. This might be more likely in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in folks with BRCA mutations.
People at high risk for ovarian cancer include those with:
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- A family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Lynch syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Late first pregnancy
- Age over 40 years
Conclusion
Genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors play complex roles in the development of breast and ovarian cancer. By integrating regular screenings, preventive measures, and healthy habits, those at a higher risk can take control of their health and hopefully lower their cancer risk.
- Both breast cancer and ovarian cancer can be associated with shared genetic factors like the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- Risk factors for both types of cancer may include a family history, older age, being overweight, never having children, not breastfeeding, and hormone therapy after menopause.
- Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can help lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, while regular physical activity may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
- Reducing alcohol consumption can help decrease the risk of breast cancer, and oral contraceptives may lower the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Folks with a history of breast or ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of a second type of cancer, particularly those with BRCA mutations.
- People at high risk for ovarian cancer may include those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, late first pregnancy, and those over 40 years old.
