Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Links and Risk Factors
Rewritten Article:
Breast cancer and ovarian cancer share some significant connections, mostly due to genetic factors. It's a well-known fact that individuals carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes often face an increased risk for both types of cancer.
People with a genetic predisposition towards these cancers might have a higher overall risk. Age, weight, and reproductive history are some factors that may influence this risk. In some cases, these factors can be modified to lessen the chance of developing breast or ovarian cancer.
Is there a link between breast and ovarian cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, those who've experienced breast cancer may face a heightened risk of developing ovarian cancer. This increased risk is usually associated with genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2, but it's the underlying genetic factors, not the disease itself, that contribute to this risk.
Research suggests that individuals with breast cancer have about twice the likelihood of developing a subsequent ovarian cancer[2]. On the flip side, ovarian cancer survivors might experience a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer[3]. The risk may alter depending on the time since the initial cancer diagnosis.
People with ovarian cancer may also face an increased risk of breast cancer due to genetic mutations.
Other risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer
Besides genetic mutations, shared risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancer might include:
- a family history of either cancer
- advanced age, with ovarian cancer typically occurring in those over 40 and breast cancer more common after 55
- obesity
- pregnancy-related factors, such as having a child late or never carrying a pregnancy to term
- not breastfeeding
- hormone therapy after menopause
Can breast and ovarian cancer risk be reduced?
Certain risk factors, like having previously had breast or ovarian cancer, are beyond one's control. However, understanding these risk factors, adopting healthy habits, and undergoing regular screenings can help manage them.
Individuals with a history of breast or ovarian cancer may need more frequent and thorough screenings. This could involve regular mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests. Genetic testing can provide valuable insight into risks and potential prevention strategies[6].
For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors might suggest prophylactic surgeries to remove organs or tissues to prevent cancer[6].
Modifiable risk factors
Addressable risk factors include:
- Maintaining a moderate weight: Achieving and keeping a moderate weight can help lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer
- Regular exercise: Exercise has been linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer, with limited evidence suggesting a link with ovarian cancer as well[4]. Exercise can also aid in maintaining a moderate weight and may provide direct anticancer benefits.
- Limit alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake can decrease the risk of breast cancer, with the risk heightening the more alcohol a person consumes[7].
- Consider alternative contraception: Oral contraceptives may lower the risk of ovarian cancer, but they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. Talking to a doctor about contraception options can help weigh the risks based on individual 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%[8].
The outlook is generally brighter when the time between the two diagnoses is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, which can impact survival[8].
A person's age at their initial cancer diagnosis and the time between the two cancers are significant factors when predicting overall survival.
When to consult a doctor
Individuals should speak with a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially with a personal or family history of these diseases. Regularly monitoring for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis is essential for early detection and prompt treatment.
Resources for cancer information
To access more trustworthy cancer information and resources, visit our dedicated hub.[9]
FAQs
Those with ovarian cancer may also face an increased risk of other cancers, including:
- 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 is more likely in advanced breast cancer, particularly in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers or those with BRCA mutations.
Those at high risk for ovarian cancer might include:
- those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Lynch syndrome
- endometriosis
- never carrying a pregnancy to term
- late first pregnancy
- age over 40
Summary
Genetic mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are a significant shared risk factor for breast and ovarian cancer. Other shared risk factors include family history, advanced age, obesity, reproductive factors, and hormonal influences.
Making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, and limiting alcohol, can help suppress the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Regular screenings and genetic testing can provide valuable insights for individuals at higher risk.
[1] Duran-Reynals C, Giansanti S, Berardo P. et al. (2017). Common obesity and cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 26(12): 1887–1890. 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-17-1318.
[2] Jemal A, Diehl-Baker D, Fortner M, Mandelblatt J, Fong Y. (2018). Cancer Facts & Figures 2018. Atlanta: American Cancer Society.
[3] Chen JK, Sun JM, Qin LQ, et al. (2016). Risk of second primary malignancies after ovarian cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer, 122(20), 3085–3093.
[4] Slattery ML, Bernstein L, Sankaranarayanan R, et al. (2016). Physical activity and cancer in women: A systematic review and pooled analysis of data from prospective cohort studies. Br J Cancer, 114(3), 456–471.
[5] Emberley SJ, Lucia M, Stovall EA, et al. (2015). Family history and cancer survivorship: A systematic review and critical appraisal of the literature. Br J Cancer, 113(1), 9-20.
[6] National Cancer Institute. (2020). Managing Women at High Risk: Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetic-risk-factors/womens-high-risk
[7] Meyerhardt J, Goeled V, Yu T, et al. (2007). The role of alcohol in cancer prevention and survivorship: Recommendations from the American Society of Clinical Oncology. J Clin Oncol, 25(32), 4744–4751.
[8] Choi JH, Choi BI, Park YS. (2020). Comparison of overall and cancer-specific survival between breast cancer and ovarian cancer diagnosed simultaneously: A nationwide population-based study. Gynecol Oncol, 162, 303–308.
[9] Cancer.org. (2021). Cancer.org - Find patient-friendly cancer information, resources, support services, prevention tips, latest research, and survivor stories. https://www.cancer.org/
- Genetic mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes often increase an individual's risk for both breast and ovarian cancer.
- People with a family history of either breast or ovarian cancer may have a higher overall risk.
- Age, weight, and reproductive history are factors that may influence the risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.
- Making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, and limiting alcohol, can help suppress the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
- Individuals carrying genetic mutations might be recommended prophylactic surgeries like removal of organs or tissues to prevent cancer.
- Apart from breast and ovarian cancer, those with ovarian cancer may also face an increased risk of developing bladder, bile duct, colorectal, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye cancer.
