Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Associations and Risk Factors
Shared Genetic and Lifestyle Factors Boost the Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancers
Individuals with breast and ovarian cancers often find a common ground in their genetic makeup. This association between the two cancers is primarily due to hereditary factors, particularly mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Common, Inherited Genetic Risk Factors:
- The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, when mutated, significantly elevate the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers. Approximately 1 in 4 families with both ovarian and breast cancer cases carry BRCA1 gene mutations, and about 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
Other Shared Risk Factors:
Apart from inherited genetic variations, shared risk factors include:
- A family history of either cancer
- Advanced age, with ovarian cancer usually occurring in individuals over the age of 40, and breast cancer more prevalent in those over 55
- Overweight or obesity, which may lead to higher estrogen levels and cancer risk
- Never carrying a pregnancy to term, especially those who have their first child after the age of 30
- Not breastfeeding
- Hormone replacement therapy after menopause
Influence on Risk:
People who have previously had breast cancer possess an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, and vice versa. This heightened risk is mainly due to underlying genetic components, particularly those related to BRCA1 or BRCA2. A person's ability to reduce this risk is limited, but managing it involves regular screenings, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventative medical procedures according to health professionals.
Interplay of Breast and Ovarian Cancer:
Research indicates that those with breast cancer are approximately twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer. Similarly, women with ovarian cancer have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer.
Lowering the Risk:
While some risk factors, such as a history of breast or ovarian cancer, are fixed, others can be altered:
- Maintaining a moderate weight is a modifiable risk factor. Achieving and sustaining a healthy weight can potentially lower the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers. Obesity might cause higher estrogen levels, raising the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular exercise is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Though research on its impact on ovarian cancer is limited, exercise can help maintain a moderate weight and may have direct anticancer effects.
- Reducing alcohol intake is recommended by health professionals to lower the risk of breast cancer, as the risk heightens with increased alcohol consumption.
- Oral contraceptives might reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, but could slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. It is essential to discuss contraception choices with a healthcare provider considering individual circumstances.
Outlook:
In a 2020 observational study, individuals diagnosed with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer demonstrated relatively favorable 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of approximately 90%. The outlook is generally more promising when the time between the two diagnoses is extended, although ovarian cancer diagnosed following breast cancer often occurs at later stages, which can negatively affect survival rates.
Seeking Advice from Medical Professionals:
It is crucial for individuals to consult their healthcare team whenever signs or symptoms of either breast or ovarian cancer manifest. It's essential to stay vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a prior diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer, as early detection and prompt treatment improve outcomes.
Relevant Resources:
More information on evidence-based cancer resources and research is available through our dedicated hub.
FAQs:
- People with ovarian cancer may face 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 metastasize to the ovaries, although it is relatively uncommon. This occurrence is more likely in cases of advanced breast cancer or in individuals with BRCA mutations.
- Factors increasing the risk of ovarian cancer include:
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Lynch syndrome
- endometriosis
- never being pregnant
- late first pregnancy
- age over 40 years.
- Knowing the association of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations with both breast and ovarian cancers, individuals having family histories of either or both of these cancers should be aware of their increased genetic risk.
- In addition to genetic factors, shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers include advanced age, weight and obesity issues, never carrying a pregnancy to term, not breastfeeding, hormone replacement therapy, and certain lifestyle choices such as alcohol consumption and lack of exercise.
- People who have previously had breast cancer may find themselves at a higher risk for developing ovarian cancer and vice versa, primarily due to genetic factors like BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
- Maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, and considering oral contraceptives are all modifiable factors that might help lower the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers.
- The prospects of surviving both primary breast and ovarian cancer are relatively encouraging, with a 5-year overall survival rate of approximately 90%, but early detection is vital for improving outcomes, making it crucial to consult healthcare professionals about any potential signs or symptoms of either cancer.
