Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Shared Links and Risk Factors
Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer: A One-Two Punch?
These two insidious foes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer, share a complex and intricate relationship, predominantly due to genetic factors. If you carry mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, you're a prime example of this web of connections.
Here's the skinny - people who've battled breast cancer may find themselves in the crosshairs again, with ovarian cancer looming. And, conversely, those with ovarian cancer might face an increased risk of breast cancer. This trend is especially evident in cases where the cancers are linked to genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
Research reveals that those with a history of breast cancer are nearly twice as likely to develop a subsequent primary ovarian cancer. On the flip side, ovarian cancer survivors may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, but this risk can vary depending on the time since their initial diagnosis.
Unsurprisingly, ovarian cancer survivors might find themselves at higher risk of developing breast cancer, too. Genetic mutations can play a role here, just like they do in the breast cancer-ovarian cancer connection.
Other Risk Factors for Breast and Ovarian Cancers
Apart from genetics, several other factors can put you in the crosshairs of these cancers. Research estimates that around 5-10% of families with ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 gene mutations, while approximately 20% carry BRCA2 mutations.
Other common risk factors shared by both cancers include:
- Family history of either cancer
- Older age (ovarian cancer typically shows up in women over 40, and breast cancer is common in those 55 or older)
- Overweight or obesity
- Having a first child after the age of 30
- Never having children
- Not breastfeeding
- Hormone therapy after menopause
Taking Control: Manage Your Risk
Some risk factors are beyond our control, like a previous cancer diagnosis. In these situations, management might involve careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
For example, people with a history of breast or ovarian cancer may undergo more frequent and thorough screenings to catch any new cancers early. This might 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 be the best strategy for monitoring and prevention. For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors might consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries that involve removing organs or tissues to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
Embrace the Changeable: Modifiable Risk Factors
Changeable risk factors are within our grasp, like:
- Weight: Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity can lead to higher estrogen levels, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can lower the risk of breast cancer, with limited evidence supporting a link with ovarian cancer as well. Exercise helps maintain a moderate weight and may also have direct anticancer effects.
- Alcohol: Cutting back on booze can lower the risk of breast cancer. The more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk, so healthcare professionals might advise limiting intake.
- Oral Contraceptives: Oral contraceptives might decrease the risk of ovarian cancer, but they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. People can talk to their doctors about contraception options to weigh the risks based on their circumstances.
Outlook: A Glimmer of Hope
A 2020 observational study suggests that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively optimistic outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates around 90%. The outlook is usually more favorable when the interval between the two diagnoses is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer often results in a later-stage diagnosis, which can impact survival.
Personal and family history, age, and the time between diagnoses are significant predictors of overall survival.
For more information about your individual outlook or evidence-based cancer resources, visit our dedicated hub.
When to Call Your Doctor
If signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, or if you have a personal or family history of these diseases, it's crucial to speak with a doctor. Staying vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis is essential to improving outcomes.
- The complex relationship between breast cancer and ovarian cancer is mainly due to genetic factors, especially in individuals carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- People who have previously battled breast cancer are nearly twice as likely to develop a subsequent primary ovarian cancer.
- On the other hand, ovarian cancer survivors may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer.
- Besides genetics, other common risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers include a family history of either cancer, older age, weight issues, late first childbirth, never having children, not breastfeeding, hormone therapy after menopause, and shared environmental factors.
- Management of high-risk situations might involve regular and thorough screenings, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures, like genetic testing and prophylactic surgeries.
- Changeable risk factors, like maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and discussing contraception options with healthcare professionals, can help lower the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
