Connection and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer
Cancer Connection: Biologically Bonded Breast and Ovarian Diseases
There's a solid link between breast and ovarian cancers, primarily due to common genetic factors. This bond is specifically strong for individuals harboring mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Breast and ovarian cancers share some underlying genetic predispositions, making individuals carrying these risk factors more prone to both diseases.
Factors such as age, weight, and childbirth history are shared risk factors that people can potentially influence.
Do Breast and Ovarian Cancers Influence Each Other?
Medical evidence indicates that those who have had breast cancer may have a heightened risk of developing ovarian cancer. This danger is particularly significant if the breast cancer has links to genetic mutations, like BRCA1 or BRCA2. However, this increased risk is attributable to the underlying genetic factors rather than the disease process itself.
Research suggests people with breast cancer are approximately twice as likely to subsequently develop primary ovarian cancer [1]. At the same time, those who have ovarian cancer have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequently developing breast cancer [1]. People who have had ovarian cancer may also have an increased risk of breast cancer, possibly due to genetic mutations.
Other Risk Factors for Breast and Ovarian Cancers
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes represent the most significant shared genetic risks. Research indicates that around 40% of families with both ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 mutations, while approximately 20% have BRCA2 mutations [1].
Other risks shared by breast and ovarian cancer may include:
- Family history of either cancer
- Older age, with ovarian cancer occurring predominantly in those over 40 years and breast cancer more commonly in those over 55 years old
- Obesity
- Childbirth after 30 years old
- Never giving birth
- Lack of breastfeeding
- Hormone therapy after menopause
Can People Lower Their Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancers?
Some risk factors, such as a previous cancer history, are unchangeable. Managing these unchangeable factors might involve careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and preventive medical procedures in some instances.
A history of breast or ovarian cancer raises the risk of the opposite cancer, particularly when those cancers are linked to genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. While this risk factor cannot be changed, it can be managed.
Healthcare professionals might suggest that people with a history of breast or ovarian cancer undergo more rigorous and frequent screenings to catch any new cancers early. This screening might include undergoing:
- Regular mammograms
- Breast MRI scans
- Transvaginal ultrasounds
- Pelvic exams
- CA-125 blood tests
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations is the best strategy for monitoring and prevention. For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors may suggest additional options such as prophylactic surgeries, which remove organs or tissues to prevent cancer occurrence or spread.
Modifiable Risks
Changeable risk factors include:
- Weight: Maintaining a reasonable weight can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity may cause higher estrogen levels, which can increase the risk of breast cancer[1].
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can help lower the risk of breast cancer, with limited evidence also supporting a link with ovarian cancer. Exercise may aid in maintaining a reasonable weight and may also have direct anti-cancer effects.
- Reducing Alcohol: Lowering alcohol intake can the risk of breast cancer. Risk increases with alcohol consumption, so healthcare professionals might recommend limiting intake.
- Oral Contraceptives: Oral contraceptives might diminish the risk of ovarian cancer [4]. However, they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. People can discuss contraception options with a doctor to evaluate risks based on their individual circumstances.
Outlook
A 2020 observational study suggests that individuals with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a favorable overall survival rate, with 5- and 10-year rates around 90% [5].
The outlook tends to be more favorable when the interval between the two diseases is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer often leads to later-stage diagnosis, which can negatively impact survival.
Age at first cancer diagnosis and the time between the two cancers play significant roles in overall survival.
Different factors can impact a person’s outlook. Someone seeking more information about their individual outlook should consult their healthcare team.
When to Consult a Doctor
People should speak with a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially in the presence of a personal or family history of these diseases.
It is crucial to remain vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer, as early detection and prompt treatment are vital for improved outcomes.
Cancer Resources
For more evidence-based information and resources on cancer, visit our dedicated hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
People with ovarian cancer may experience an increased risk of several 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 this is relatively uncommon. This typically occurs in advanced breast cancer and may be more common in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in people with BRCA mutations.
Those at high risk of ovarian cancer include:
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- A family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Lynch syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Never having been pregnant
- Late first pregnancy
- Age over 40 years
Summary
A solid genetic connection ties breast cancer and ovarian cancer, particularly through the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. People with these mutations face a significantly higher risk of developing both cancers.
People with a family history of cancer, older age, obesity, or never having given birth should be aware of their increased risk and discuss proactive measures with their healthcare team.
Individuals who have had breast or ovarian cancer should be diligent about ongoing monitoring and early detection, which can improve outcomes.
- Those who have had breast cancer may have a heightened risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if the breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- Research indicates that around 40% of families with both ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 mutations, while approximately 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
- Apart from the BRCA mutations, other risks shared by breast and ovarian cancer may include a family history of either cancer, older age, obesity, childbirth after 30 years old, never giving birth, lack of breastfeeding, hormone therapy after menopause.
- Maintaining a reasonable weight can reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer, as obesity may cause higher estrogen levels, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular physical activity can help lower the risk of breast cancer, with limited evidence supporting a link with ovarian cancer.
- Lowering alcohol intake can potentially decrease the risk of breast cancer.
- For people with a history of breast or ovarian cancer, doctors may suggest additional options such as prophylactic surgeries to prevent cancer occurrence or spread.
- A 2020 observational study suggests that individuals with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a favorable overall survival rate, with 5- and 10-year rates around 90%.
