Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Causes and Risk Factors
Rewritten Article:
Hey there! Let's dive into the shared links between breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
It's no secret that these two types of cancer share some common ground due to genetic factors, and the tie is particularly strong for people carrying mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Imagine a Venn diagram with overlapping circles representing breast and ovarian cancer. People with these risk factors may face an increased probability of dealing with both cancers.
Other shared risk factors include advancing years, carrying extra pounds, and never conceiving a baby. Fortunately, some of these risk factors can be managed, such as maintaining a moderate weight.
Is there a causal relationship between breast and ovarian cancer?
According to research, individuals who have battled breast cancer might have a higher chance of developing ovarian cancer. This increased risk is not necessarily due to the disease itself but rather due to the underlying genetic factors.
Research suggests that these breast cancer survivors are about twice as likely to develop a subsequent primary ovarian cancer. Conversely, people with ovarian cancer may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, although the risk varies with time since their first cancer diagnosis.
Those with ovarian cancer may also face an increased risk of developing breast cancer, and this could be linked to genetic mutations.
What other risk factors are associated with breast and ovarian cancers?
Apart from BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, several other shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers might include:
- A family history of either cancer
- Maturity onset of age, with ovarian cancer typically occurring in people over 40 years, and breast cancer in those aged 55 or older
- Overweight or obesity
- Having a first child late in life
- Never having children
- Not breastfeeding
- Hormone therapy following menopause
Can people lower their risk of breast and ovarian cancer?
Some risk factors, like having had breast or ovarian cancer before, are beyond our control. However, management of these unchangeable risk factors can involve careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some instances, preventive medical procedures.
A history of breast cancer increases the risk of ovarian cancer and vice versa, particularly if these cancers are related to genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. While people can't change this risk factor, they can manage it.
Doctors may advise individuals with a history of breast or ovarian cancer to undergo more frequent and thorough screenings to catch new cancers early. This may include:
- Regular mammograms
- Breast MRI scans
- Pelvic exams
- Transvaginal ultrasounds
- CA-125 blood tests
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations is instrumental for monitoring and prevention strategies. For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors may consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries. These procedures involve removing organs or tissues to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
Modifiable risk factors
Manageable risk factors include:
- Weight: Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can decrease the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity might cause higher estrogen levels, which can boost the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer and may help lower the risk of ovarian cancer as well. Exercise can help maintain a moderate weight and also has direct anticancer effects.
- Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake can decrease the risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol a person drinks, so doctors may recommend limiting intake.
- Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. However, they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. People can discuss contraception options with a doctor to weigh the risks based on their specific circumstances.
Outlook
A 2020 observational study suggests that people diagnosed with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively positive outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%. The outlook is generally more promising when the gap between the two diseases is wider. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to involve diagnosis at a later stage, which can negatively impact survival.
A person's age at their initial cancer diagnosis and the period between the two cancers are significant predictors of overall survival. Factors such as age, family history, number of children, breastfeeding history, and hormone therapy might all play a role in a person's outlook.
If someone wants more details about their individual outlook, they can chat with their healthcare team.
When to consult a doctor
People need to consult a doctor if they notice signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer, especially in the context of personal or family cancer history. It's essential to stay vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for enhancing outcomes.
Cancer resources
To discover more accurate information and resources for cancer, check out our dedicated hub.
Frequently asked questions
- People with ovarian cancer may face an increased risk of:
- breast cancer
- bladder cancer
- bile duct cancer
- colorectal cancer
- acute leukemia
- melanoma of the eye
- Breast cancer can spread to the ovaries, although it is relatively uncommon. This may be more likely in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in people with BRCA mutations.
- Individuals at high risk of ovarian cancer include those who:
- have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- have a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- have Lynch syndrome
- have endometriosis
- have never been pregnant
- have a late first pregnancy
- are over 40 years old
Summary
Breast cancer and ovarian cancer share a strong relationship, primarily due to shared genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. People with these mutations have a significantly higher risk of developing both cancers.
Beyond these mutations, several other risk factors may come into play, such as family history, age, reproductive factors, obesity, hormonal factors, and other genetic mutations.
Managing risk factors and early detection can make a significant difference in the fight against these cancers. If you have questions or concerns about your individual risk, consult your healthcare provider.
- People with mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may face an increased probability of dealing with both breast and ovarian cancers.
- Research indicates that individuals who have battled breast cancer may have a higher chance of developing ovarian cancer.
- The risk of developing ovarian cancer is around twice as high for breast cancer survivors.
- Conversely, people with ovarian cancer may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer.
- A similar risk also applies to those with a family history of either breast or ovarian cancer.
- m magazine: Women's Health & Wellness
- Apart from genetic factors, other shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers might include maturity onset of age, overweight or obesity, having a first child late in life, never having children, and hormone therapy following menopause.
- To manage the increased risk of ovarian cancer for breast cancer survivors, doctors may advise individuals to undergo more frequent and thorough screenings, such as regular mammograms, pelvic exams, and CA-125 blood tests.
- Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations is crucial for monitoring, prevention strategies, and in some instances, the consideration of prophylactic surgeries.
