Connection Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Links and Risk Factors
Link Established Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer
A robust connection exists between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, primarily due to genetic factors. The association is particularly strong for individuals harboring mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Both breast and ovarian cancers share some underlying genetic risk factors. People with these risk factors may face an increased risk of both malignancies.
Factors common to both cancers include older age, overweight or obesity, and never carrying a pregnancy to term. Individuals may have some control over these risk factors, such as maintaining a moderate weight through healthy lifestyle choices.
According to research, a history of breast cancer may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. This risk is significantly amplified if the breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Conversely, individuals with ovarian cancer may also have an increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, though the risk varies over time since the initial diagnosis.
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most prominent shared risk factors. Approximately 10-15% of families with both ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 gene mutations, while around 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
Additional risk factors for both cancers include:
- a family history of either cancer
- older age, with ovarian cancer typically occurring in individuals over 40 years and breast cancer in those aged 55 years or older
- overweight or obesity
- having a first child later in life
- not having children
- not breastfeeding
- hormone therapy after menopause
Modifiable risk factors include weight, regular exercise, alcohol intake, and oral contraceptives use. Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Regular physical activity may lower the risk of breast cancer, with limited evidence supporting a link to ovarian cancer. Reducing alcohol intake may decrease the risk of breast cancer, and oral contraceptives may lower the risk of ovarian cancer, though they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
Healthcare professionals may recommend more frequent and thorough screenings for people with a history of breast or ovarian cancer. These screenings may include regular mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests. Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations can offer the best strategies for monitoring and prevention. For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors may consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries to remove organs or tissues and prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
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 of around 90%. The outlook is generally more positive when the interval between the two diseases is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to involve a later stage of diagnosis, which can negatively impact survival.
A person's age during their first cancer diagnosis and the time between the two cancers are significant predictors of overall survival. Various factors can affect a person's outlook, and anyone seeking more information about their individual outlook should consult their healthcare team.
People should consult a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially for those with a personal or family history of these diseases. It is crucial to remain vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer. Early detection and prompt treatment are vital for improving outcomes.
Here you can find more evidence-based information and resources for cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Individuals with ovarian cancer may face an increased risk of other cancers, including bladder cancer, bile duct cancer, colorectal cancer, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
Breast cancer can metastasize (spread) to the ovaries, although this is relatively uncommon. This may be more likely in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in people with BRCA mutations.
People at high risk of ovarian cancer include those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, never having been pregnant, having a late first pregnancy, or being older than 40 years.
- The connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer is primarily due to genetic factors, particularly for individuals with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- Both breast and ovarian cancers share common genetic risk factors such as older age, overweight or obesity, and never carrying a pregnancy to term.
- A history of breast cancer may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if the breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- Modifiable risk factors for both cancers include weight, regular exercise, alcohol intake, and oral contraceptives use, with maintaining a moderate weight offering reduced risk for both breast and ovarian cancer.
- For people with a history of breast or ovarian cancer, healthcare professionals may recommend more frequent and thorough screenings, including regular mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, and CA-125 blood tests.
- People at high risk of ovarian cancer include those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, and those who are older than 40 years.
