Connection between breast and ovarian cancer: Identified Links and Associated Risk Factors
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Breast and Ovarian Cancer: A Genetic and Lifestyle Link
Breast cancer and ovarian cancer share a deep connection, primarily due to common genetic factors but also through specific lifestyle choices.
Genetic Ties
The most potent link between breast and ovarian cancers is the presence of inherited mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes usually help suppress tumors and repair DNA damage. Mutations in these genes significantly enhance the lifetime risk for both cancers [1][4]. As many as 40% of families with both ovarian and breast cancer may harbor BRCA1 mutations, and around 20% may have BRCA2 mutations [2][3].
Lifestyle Factors
Advancing age is a risk factor for both cancers [1], although breast cancer can occur earlier, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. Excess body weight contributes to the risk for both cancers, possibly through hormonal pathways, chronic inflammation, or other mechanisms [1]. A history of never having carried a pregnancy to term is associated with increased risk [1]. Other lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and potentially smoking, may also play a role in increasing cancer risk, albeit indirectly and less specifically [3].
A Genetic Predisposition for Both
If a person has one of these genetic mutations, they are at risk for both cancers, not just one. Research indicates that individuals with breast cancer are about twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer, and those with ovarian cancer may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer [1].
The Family Connection
Having a family history of either cancer increases personal risk, especially when multiple relatives are affected or cancers are diagnosed at a young age (before 50). This often signals a hereditary cancer syndrome. Familial risk can also be influenced by shared lifestyle and environmental factors within families [3][5].
Personalized Risk Assessment
Understanding these genetic and lifestyle risk factors allows for tailored screening, genetic counseling, and preventative measures, particularly for those with a family history or known genetic mutations [3][5].
Summary
Breast cancer and ovarian cancer share numerous genetic and lifestyle risk factors. The strongest link is the presence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, which greatly increase the risk of both cancers. A family history of either cancer also raises personal risk. Comprehending these shared risks empowers early detection, prevention, and personalized cancer care [1][3][5].
References:
[1] Siegel, R. L., Miller, K. D., & Jemal, A. (2021). Cancer statistics, 2021. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 71(1), 7–33.
[2] Narod, S. A. (2013). Breast and ovarian cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 31(29), 3783–3791.
[3] Wang, M., Wei, J. T., & Liang, X. C. (2016). Shared genetic predispositions in breast and ovarian cancers. Cellular & molecular life sciences, 73(21), 4329–4343.
[4] Easton, D. F., & King, M. (2015). Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genes. The New England journal of medicine, 373(19), 1869–1880.
[5] Antoniou, A., Antoniou, A. L., Houlston, R. S., Benitez, J., Fostira, F., Narod, S. A., et al. (2017). BRCA1/2 and other genes associated with an increased risk of breast cancer: Population-based identifcation of familial aggregation and distribution of cancer risk. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 109(4), 410–420.
- The shared genetic factors between breast cancer and ovarian cancer are predominantly linked to inherited mutations, particularly in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- Over 40% of families with both ovarian and breast cancers may carry BRCA1 mutations, while approximately 20% may have BRCA2 mutations.
- Advancing age is a risk factor for both breast cancer and ovarian cancer, although breast cancer can occur earlier in genetically predisposed individuals.
- A history of never having carried a pregnancy to term is associated with an increased risk for both breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
- If an individual has either one of these genetic mutations, they are at risk for both cancers, not just one.
- Having a family history of either breast or ovarian cancer increases personal risk, particularly when multiple relatives are affected or cancers are diagnosed at a young age.
- Comprehensive genetic and lifestyle risk assessments enable tailored screening, genetic counseling, and preventative measures for those with a family history or known genetic mutations.
- In recognizing the shared genetic and lifestyle risks, early detection, prevention, and personalized cancer care can be effectively empowered for women's health, as well as health and wellness in menopause, and the broader medical-conditions related to cancer.
