Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Implications and Risk Factors
Chatty Health Guide:
Breast cancer and ovarian cancer, while distinct, share a strong connection due to genetic and lifestyle factors. This connection is particularly evident in people with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, where the risk of both cancers significantly increases.
Both cancers share some underlying genetic risk factors. People with these risk factors may have an increased chance of developing both cancers. Age, weight, and reproductive history are other shared risk factors that individuals may influence to some extent.
Is there a connection between breast and ovarian cancer?
Research indicates that those who have had breast cancer may face an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Noteworthy is the elevated risk in people with breast cancer linked to BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, but this increased risk stems from the genetic factors rather than the disease itself. According to studies, people with breast cancer are roughly twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer.
Conversely, individuals with ovarian cancer may face a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, although the risk varies with time since their first cancer diagnosis. It's important to note that people with ovarian cancer also face an increased risk of breast cancer due to genetic factors.
What other risk factors are shared between breast and ovarian cancers?
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most significant shared risk factors. These mutations may be found in around 10-15% of ovarian cancers and up to 10% of breast cancers. A family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially in first-degree relatives, can suggest a hereditary predisposition.
Other shared lifestyle risk factors include obesity, hormone replacement therapy, and reproductive factors like early menarche, late menopause, and never having children.
Can we reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer?
While some risk factors are unchangeable, some modifiable risk factors can be managed. Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight is beneficial in reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as obesity may lead to higher estrogen levels that can increase the risk of breast cancer. Regular exercise is linked to a lower risk of breast cancer, and there is limited evidence supporting a connection with ovarian cancer as well. Reducing alcohol intake and oral contraceptives may also help lower the risk of breast cancer.
What's the outlook for people with both primary breast and ovarian cancers?
A 2020 observational study suggests that individuals with both primary breast and ovarian cancers 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 cancers is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to involve diagnosis at a later stage, which can negatively affect survival.
What should you do if you're concerned?
If you notice any signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer, especially with a personal or family history of these diseases, it is crucial to consult a doctor. Vigilance for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer is essential for early detection and prompt treatment, leading to improved outcomes.
For more information about cancer, visit our dedicated hub for evidence-based resources on various cancer types.
Are there other cancers ovarian cancer may increase the risk of?
People with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of developing additional cancers, such as bladder cancer, bile duct cancer, colorectal cancer, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
Can breast cancer spread to the ovaries?
While it is relatively uncommon, breast cancer can metastasize (spread) to the ovaries. This is more likely in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in people with BRCA mutations.
Who is at high risk of ovarian cancer?
People at higher 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, and being over 40 years old.
- The connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer is evident in people with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, where the risk of both cancers significantly increases.
- Those who have had breast cancer may face an increased risk of ovarian cancer, and this increased risk stems from genetic factors rather than the disease itself.
- Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most significant shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers, found in up to 10% of both types of cancers.
- Regular exercise, maintaining a moderate weight, reducing alcohol intake, and oral contraceptives may help lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
- Individuals with both primary breast and ovarian cancers have a relatively favorable outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%.
- People with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of developing additional cancers, such as bladder, bile duct, colorectal, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
