Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Shared Links and Risk Factors
Rewritten Article:
Breast and ovarian cancers share an intricate connection, with genetics playing a significant role in this link. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, known for their regulatory functions in cell growth, are crucial factors in this relationship.
When these genes carry mutations, they become the primary culprits driving up the risks for both breast and ovarian cancers. Nearly half of families with both types of cancer carry BRCA1 mutations, while approximately one-fifth bear BRCA2 mutations.
People with these mutations face a considerably higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers compared to the average population.
Beyond genetics, other shared risk factors include older age, obesity, and reproductive history. However, these factors are linked to lifestyle choices and reproductive behaviors rather than genetics.
Does breast and ovarian cancer influence each other?
Research indicates that having a history of breast cancer may raise the risk of developing ovarian cancer, and vice versa. This association is notably strengthened in the presence of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
However, this increased risk stems from shared genetic factors rather than the disease itself. Women with breast cancer are about twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer, whereas women with ovarian cancer see a 1.6-fold increase in their risk of breast cancer, although this risk fluctuates over time since their initial diagnosis.
Those diagnosed with either cancer have an increased risk of developing the other, partly due to genetic mutations.
Other risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers
Apart from the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers may include:
- Family history of either cancer
- Advanced age, with ovarian cancer commonly affecting individuals over 40 years and breast cancer occurring in those aged 55 years or older
- Overweight or obesity
- Having a first child over 30 years
- Never having children
- Limited breastfeeding
- Hormone therapy after menopause
Can the risks be reduced?
Given the presence of some uncontrollable risk factors, such as having had breast or ovarian cancer previously, effective management may involve careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and sometimes preventive medical procedures.
People with a history of breast or ovarian cancer should undergo frequent and thorough screenings to catch any new cancers early. This may include regular mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests.
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and additional relevant mutations is a valuable tool for monitoring, prevention, and tailoring treatment plans.
For those carrying genetic mutations, prophylactic surgeries, which involve removing organs or tissues to hinder cancer development or spread, may be a consideration.
Modifiable risk factors
Changeable factors include:
- Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can help reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer by minimizing high estrogen levels.
- Regular exercise can lower the risk of breast cancer, and limited evidence supports a connection to reduced ovarian cancer risk.
- Reducing alcohol intake can lower the risk of breast cancer, as the risk increases with the amount consumed, leading healthcare professionals to recommend moderation.
- Oral contraceptives may lower the risk of ovarian cancer; however, there's a small chance they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
Outlook
A 2020 observational study reveals that people diagnosed with both primary breast and ovarian cancer tend to have a relatively favorable outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of approximately 90%.
A positive outlook is typically more common when the interval between the two cancers is longer, although ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to be diagnosed at a later stage, negatively impacting survival.
Age during the first cancer diagnosis and time between the cancers significantly impact overall survival.
If an individual wishes more information about their specific prognosis, consultation with their healthcare team is advisable.
When to speak with a doctor
People should consult a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, particularly in the context of a personal or family history of these diseases. It's essential to remain vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer, as early detection and timely treatment improve outcomes.
Cancer resources
Explore more evidence-based information and resources on cancer by visiting our dedicated hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Besides ovarian cancer, people with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk for:
- Bladder cancer
- Bile duct cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Acute leukemia
- Melanoma of the eye
Breast cancer may spread to the ovaries, although it's relatively uncommon. This occurrence is more likely in advanced breast cancer, particularly in hormone-receptor positive cases or among individuals with BRCA mutations.
People at high risk of ovarian cancer may include those who:
- Carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- Have a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Have Lynch syndrome
- Suffer from endometriosis
- Never have been pregnant
- Had a late first pregnancy
- Are over 40 years old
Summary
A strong connection exists between breast and ovarian cancers due to common genetic mutations, particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2. Carriers of these mutations face an elevated risk of both cancers.
Additionally, personal or family histories of one cancer contribute to the risk of developing the other. Genetic testing, regular screenings, and preventive measures become critical for high-risk individuals.
People with a history of breast or ovarian cancer can work with their healthcare team to monitor and manage further cancers.
- The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, significant factors in the connection between breast and ovarian cancers, are crucial for regulating cell growth.
- Women with a history of breast cancer have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, and vice versa, an association that is strengthened by the presence of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
- Breast and ovarian cancer risks may also include a family history of these cancers, advanced age, obesity, reproductive history, hormone therapy after menopause, early menopause, and menopause at an older age.
- Effective management of the risks may involve regular screenings, lifestyle changes, and preventive medical procedures for those with a history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- Changeable risk factors that one can modify to potentially lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer include maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and oral contraceptives (for reducing the risk of ovarian cancer, but with a small chance of slightly increasing the risk of breast cancer).
- People diagnosed with both primary breast and ovarian cancer have a relatively favorable outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of approximately 90%, although the interval between the two cancers and age during the first diagnosis significantly impact overall survival.
