Connection Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Factors and Influences
Rewritten Article:
Cancer's Siblings: Breast and Ovarian Cancer's Twin Ties
There's a solid connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, primarily due to shared genetic factors. This bond is most pronounced in individuals carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Both breast and ovarian cancer share some underlying genetic risk factors. People having these risk factors may face an increased risk for both cancers.
Risk factors that are shared include older age, overweight or obesity, never being a mom, and not breastfeeding. Some of these risk factors, like maintaining a healthy weight, are manageable.
Does Breast and Ovarian Cancer's Relationship Increase Each Other's Risk?
According to the American Cancer Society, individuals who have battled breast cancer may face an increased risk of acquiring ovarian cancer. This risk is more significant for those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, but it's the underlying genetic factors, not the disease itself, causing this heightened risk. Research shows that breast cancer survivors are approximately twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer.
Conversely, those with ovarian cancer have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, although this risk varies with the time gap since their initial cancer diagnosis. People with ovarian cancer also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, which could be due to genetic mutations.
Other Risk Factors for Breast and Ovarian Cancers
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most notable shared risks. An estimated 5–10% of families with ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 gene mutations, while around 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
Other shared risks include:
- a family history of either cancer
- older age, with ovarian cancer typically occurring in individuals over 40 years and breast cancer predominantly affecting those ages 55 years or older
- overweight or obesity
- having a first child after age 30
- never having children
- not breastfeeding
- hormone therapy after menopause
Can People Lower the Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer?
Several risk factors, like a previous history of breast or ovarian cancer, are unchangeable. Managing these unchangeable risk factors can be done through careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
A history of breast or ovarian cancer increases the risk for the other, particularly if these cancers are genetically linked like BRCA1 or BRCA2. People cannot change this risk factor, but they can manage it effectively.
Doctors may suggest people with a history of breast or ovarian cancer undergo more frequent and extensive cancer screenings. This may include undergoing:
- regular mammograms
- breast MRI scans
- pelvic exams
- transvaginal ultrasounds
- CA-125 blood tests
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations are considered the best strategies for monitoring and prevention.
For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors may consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries, which involve removing organs or tissues to prevent cancer occurrences or spread.
Changeable Risk Factors
Modifiable risk factors include:
- Weight Management: Maintaining a moderate weight can lessen the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity may lead to higher estrogen levels, which contribute to the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can lower the risk of breast cancer. There's also limited evidence to suggest a link with ovarian cancer. Exercise can assist in maintaining a moderate weight and may also have direct anticancer effects.
- Alcohol Consumption: Cutting down on alcohol consumption can decrease the risk of breast cancer. The more alcohol someone drinks, the higher the risk; therefore, healthcare professionals may recommend reducing intake.
- Contraceptives: Oral contraceptives might lower the risk of ovarian cancer. However, they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. People can discuss contraception options with their healthcare provider to weigh the risks based on their circumstances.
Outlook
A 2020 observational study suggests that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively favorable outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates close to 90%. The outlook is generally better when the time gap between the two illnesses is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to be diagnosed at a later stage, which can negatively influence survival. A person's age during their initial cancer diagnosis and the time between the two cancers also affect overall survival.
Various factors can influence an individual's outlook. If someone wants to learn more about their individual outlook, they should consult their healthcare team.
When to Speak with a Doctor
People need to speak with a doctor if warning signs of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially with a personal or family history of these illnesses. It is essential to stay on alert 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 improving outcomes.
Cancer Resources
To learn more about evidence-based information and cancer resources, visit our dedicated hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
People with ovarian cancer may also have an increased risk of the following cancers:
- bladder cancer
- liver cancer
- colorectal cancer
- acute leukemia
- melanoma of the eye
Breast cancer can spread to the ovaries. However, this is relatively uncommon. It may be more likely in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or people with BRCA mutations.
Individuals with a high likelihood 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 had a late first pregnancy
- are 40 years or older
Summary
There's a strong link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, mainly due to shared genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. People with these mutations face significantly higher risks of developing both cancers.
Additionally, having a family history of one cancer can increase the risk of developing the other. This bond emphasizes the importance of genetic testing, regular screenings, and preventive measures for those at higher risk.
People who have had breast or ovarian cancer should work closely with their healthcare team to monitor signs of another cancer.
- Both breast cancer and ovarian cancer share genetic factors, with those carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes being at increased risk.
- Women who have previously battled breast cancer may face an elevated risk of acquiring ovarian cancer, particularly those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
- Ovarian cancer survivors, on the other hand, have an increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, although this risk often depends on the time gap since their initial diagnosis.
- Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most notable shared risks for both breast and ovarian cancers, with an estimated 5-10% of families with ovarian and breast cancer having BRCA1 gene mutations and around 20% having BRCA2 mutations.
- Modifiable risk factors include maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, reducing alcohol consumption, and discussing contraception options with a healthcare provider.
- People with high likelihood of ovarian cancer include those who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, late first pregnancy, or are 40 years or older.
