Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Links and Associated Risk Factors
Let's dive into the intricate relationship between breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Both share common genetic risk factors, making individuals with these risk factors more susceptible to both cancers.
If you've got breast cancer, take note: you might have a heightened risk of developing ovarian cancer, particularly if your breast cancer has links to BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations. But fret not, this increased risk is mainly due to the underlying genetic factors rather than the disease itself. In fact, people with breast cancer are roughly twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer [1].
On the flip side, ovarian cancer survivors may also have an elevated risk of breast cancer, though the risk evolves over time since the first cancer diagnosis.
You might wonder, is it just breast and ovarian cancer that share a risk? Well, people with ovarian cancer might also develop a higher risk of several other cancers, including bladder, bile duct, colorectal, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
Other Risk Factors for Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Genetic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most significant shared risk factors. Around 40% of families with ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 gene mutations [2], while about 20% have BRCA2 mutations. Other risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers include [3]:
- Family history of either cancer
- Older age, with ovarian cancer typically occurring in people over 40 years and breast cancer in those ages 55 years or older
- Overweight or obesity
- Having a first child over the age of 30
- Never having children
- Lack of breastfeeding
- Hormone therapy after menopause
Can You Reduce the Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer?
While some risk factors, like genetic mutations and your family history, are unchangeable, there are still ways to lower your risk. For instance:
- Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight: Obesity can cause higher estrogen levels which may boost the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of breast cancer and may have anticancer effects.
- Reduced alcohol consumption: Cutting back on alcohol intake can decrease the risk of breast cancer, and the risk increases with drinking more.
- Discuss contraception options: Oral contraceptives may lower the risk of ovarian cancer but may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
Outlook and When to Speak with a Doctor
A 2020 observational study [4] 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 roughly 90%. The outlook is generally more positive when the interval between the two diseases is lengthy. Yet, ovarian cancer following breast cancer often involves a later-stage diagnosis, which could negatively influence survival.
If you notice signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer, especially with a personal or family history of these diseases, it's imperative to speak with your healthcare provider immediately. Staying vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis is essential for early detection and effective treatment.
Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
- People with ovarian cancer may also 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 can spread to the ovaries, although this is relatively uncommon, usually in cases of advanced breast cancer or breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in people with BRCA mutations.
- People at high risk of ovarian cancer may be:
- Those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- Individuals with a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- People with Lynch syndrome
- Those with endometriosis
- Women who have never been pregnant
- Women who had a late first pregnancy
- Women over the age of 40 years
Summary
Breast cancer and ovarian cancer share many genetic and non-genetic risk factors. Women carrying genetic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes face a significantly higher risk of both cancers. Comprehending the shared risk factors and genetic links between breast and ovarian cancer is crucial for identifying individuals at higher risk and implementing preventive strategies such as genetic testing, risk-reducing surgeries, or enhanced screening.
- The connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer is deep-rooted, as both cancers share common genetic risk factors, particularly those linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations.
- These shared genetic risk factors can increase the likelihood of an individual developing breast cancer, Should they already have ovarian cancer, and vice versa.
- Beyond breast and ovarian cancer, individuals with ovarian cancer may also develop other cancers like bladder, bile duct, colorectal, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
- A family history of breast or ovarian cancer, old age, being overweight or obese, having a first child over the age of 30, never having children, lack of breastfeeding, and hormone therapy after menopause are other risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers.
- To reduce the risk, achieving and maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, reduced alcohol consumption, and discussing contraception options with a healthcare provider can be beneficial. Oral contraceptives may lower the risk of ovarian cancer but may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
- People with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer can have a relatively optimistic outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of roughly 90%, but ovarian cancer following breast cancer often involves a later-stage diagnosis, which could negatively influence survival.
- If you or a family member show signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer, it's vital to consult with a healthcare provider immediately for early detection and effective treatment.
