Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Causes and Risk Factors
Chatting About the Connection Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer
There's a solid link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, mostly due to genetic factors. People with genetic mutations, particularly in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, find themselves at a higher risk of developing both cancers.
Both breast and ovarian cancers share underlying genetic risk factors. For individuals who harbor these risk factors, both diseases could be a possibility. Some other shared risk factors are:
- Age
- Overweight or obesity
- Never carrying a pregnancy to term
The Connection Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Previous experience with breast cancer doesn't just impact the individual's life but could also amplify the risk of developing ovarian cancer. This is especially true for those carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. The increased risk stems from the genetic factors themselves rather than the disease itself. Research indicates that people with breast cancer are twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer.
Similarly, ovarian cancer can increase the risk of breast cancer. This could be attributed to the presence of genetic mutations.
Other Risk Factors for Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the primary shared risk factors. These genetic mutations are prevalent in a substantial portion of families with both ovarian and breast cancer. Around 60% of families with ovarian cancer and 20% of families with breast cancer possess BRCA1 mutations, while approximately 20% of families with breast cancer have BRCA2 mutations.
Other shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers may include:
- Family history of either cancer
- Age (ovarian cancer typically occurs 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
- Not breastfeeding
- Hormone therapy after menopause
Reducing the Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer
While some risk factors, like having a history of breast or ovarian cancer, are unchangeable, others can be managed. This might involve monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
People with a history of breast or ovarian cancer are at a higher risk of developing the opposite cancer, particularly if these cancers are related to genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. However, the risk of each disease cannot be changed.
Healthcare professionals may recommend more frequent and thorough screenings to catch new cancers early, including:
- regular mammograms
- breast MRI scans
- pelvic exams
- transvaginal ultrasounds
- CA-125 blood tests
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations can help in monitoring and prevention strategies. For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors might consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries. These procedures remove organs or tissues to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
Changeable Risk Factors
Some modifiable risk factors can be influenced, such as weight and diet:
- Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can help reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
- Regular exercise can lower the risk of breast cancer, and limited evidence shows a link with ovarian cancer as well.
- Reducing alcohol intake may decrease the risk of breast cancer.
- Limiting oral contraceptive use might aid in lowering the risk of ovarian cancer.
Outlook
A 2020 observational study indicates that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively favorable outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%; the outlook is more positive when the interval between the two diseases is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer often involves a later stage of 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 with a personal or family history of these diseases. Regular check-ups and early detection can significantly improve outcomes.
Additional Information and Resources
For more evidence-based information and resources on breast and ovarian cancer, visit our dedicated hub.
- People with breast cancer are twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer due to shared genetic risk factors, particularly those with mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- Ovarian cancer can also increase the risk of breast cancer, with both diseases having shared risk factors such as family history, age, overweight or obesity, and hormone therapy after menopause.
- Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations can help in monitoring and prevention strategies for high-risk individuals.
- Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, and limiting oral contraceptive use can reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
- The outlook for individuals with both primary breast and ovarian cancer is relatively favorable, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates around 90%, but early detection is crucial due to a higher likelihood of later stage diagnosis with ovarian cancer following breast cancer.
- Individuals with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or experiencing signs and symptoms, should consult a doctor for early detection and improved outcomes in women's health, health-and-wellness, and oncology.
