Connection Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Links and Associated Risk Factors
Laying it All Out: The Un ambiguous Link Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Wanna know the deal with breast and ovarian cancer? It's all about shared genetic risk factors, chiefly those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Folks carrying these mutations are prime candidates for both cancers.
Breast and ovarian cancers share some underlying genetic risk factors, and people with those risk factors might have an increased risk of both diseases. You can influence some of these risk factors, like keeping a moderate weight.
So, do these cancers boost each other's risk?
According to the cancer authorities, Those who've battled breast cancer could be more likely to develop ovarian cancer. This connection is particularly strong if the breast cancer's roots are in genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2. But remember, this increased risk stems from the shared genetics, not the illness itself. Research indicates that people with breast cancer are roughly twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer next.
Interestingly, ovarian cancer patients have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, but this risk evolves over time since their first cancer diagnosis.
But here's the catch: Ovarian cancer patients also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, often thanks to genetic mutations.
Other risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most significant shared risk factors. Research suggests that around 8% of families with ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 gene mutations, while about 20% carry BRCA2 mutations.
Other shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers may include:
- Family history of either cancer
- Overweight or obesity
- Having a first child after the age of 30
- Never having children
- Not breastfeeding
- Hormone therapy after menopause
Can people lessen the risk of breast and ovarian cancer?
Some risk factors, like a previous history of breast or ovarian cancer, are unchangeable. But you can manage them with careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors might consider additional options like prophylactic surgeries.
Changeable risk factors
- Weight: Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity decreases the risk of breast cancer. Limited evidence also suggests a link with ovarian cancer.
- Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake decreases the risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol a person drinks, so healthcare professionals might advise limiting intake.
- Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives slightly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer but may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. People can discuss contraception options with a doctor to weigh the risks based on their circumstances.
Outlook
A 2020 study suggests that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively positive outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of about 90%. The outlook is generally more positive when the time between the two cancers is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, which can negatively impact survival.
Several factors can impact a person's outlook. If someone wants more information about their individual outlook, they can consult their healthcare team.
When to speak with a doctor
Contact a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer show up, particularly for those with a personal or family history of these diseases. It is essential to stay vigilant for signs of recurrence or a secondary cancer after a previous diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
Cancer resources
Discover more evidence-based information and resources for cancer at our dedicated hub.
FAQs
Can ovarian cancer patients develop other cancers?
Yes, ovarian cancer patients might have an increased risk of other cancers like breast cancer, bladder cancer, bile duct cancer, colorectal cancer, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
Can breast cancer spread to the ovaries?
Breast cancer can metastasize (spread) to the ovaries, although this is relatively uncommon. This is often more likely in advanced breast cancer or in cases with BRCA mutations.
Who is at high risk of ovarian cancer?
People at high risk of ovarian cancer may have:
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- Family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Lynch syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Never been pregnant
- Had a late first pregnancy
- Age over 40 years
Summary
There's a strong link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, primarily due to shared genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. People with these mutations have a significantly higher risk of developing both cancers. Staying informed about your risk, getting regular check-ups, and making healthier choices can aid in prevention and early detection.
- The connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer is primarily due to shared genetic risk factors, with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes being the most significant.
- People with a family history of either breast or ovarian cancer, overweight or obesity, having a first child after age 30, never having children, not breastfeeding, or hormone therapy after menopause might have an increased risk of both cancers.
- Individuals who have battled breast cancer could be more likely to develop ovarian cancer, with this connection being particularly strong if the breast cancer's roots are in genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- Ovarian cancer patients also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, often due to genetic mutations.
- The 2020 study suggests that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively positive outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of about 90%.
- Ovarian cancer patients might have an increased risk of other cancers like breast cancer, bladder cancer, bile duct cancer, colorectal cancer, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
- People at high risk of ovarian cancer may have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, never been pregnant, had a late first pregnancy, age over 40 years.
- Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes, so it is essential to contact a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer show up, particularly for those with a personal or family history of these diseases.
