Connection and Risk Factors Between Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer
Let's talk about the connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer
There's a strong link between these two types of cancer, primarily due to shared genetic factors, especially the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. In fact, about 45% of families with both ovarian and breast cancer carry mutations in the BRCA1 gene, and a whopping 20% have BRCA2 mutations.[1]
But it's not just about genes. Other shared risk factors include:
- Family History: A strong family history of either cancer, even if it's not due to BRCA mutations, can increase your risk.[2][3]
- Advancing Age: As we grow older, so does the risk of developing both types of cancer.[4][5]
- Lifestyle Choices: Factors such as diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption can contribute to an increased risk of these cancers.[5]
- Socioeconomic Factors: These can impact lifestyle choices, access to healthcare, and overall health, potentially influencing cancer risks across generations within a family.[5]
- Reproductive Factors: For breast cancer, early menstruation, late menopause, and never having given birth can raise the risk.[2] For ovarian cancer, never having a full-term pregnancy boosts the risk, while having children can lower it.[4]
- Hormonal Factors: High estrogen levels can increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.[4] For ovarian cancer, estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a risk factor.[4]
- Obesity: Obesity is associated with an increased risk, particularly for postmenopausal breast cancer.[4]
If you've had breast cancer, be aware that you might have a slightly higher risk of ovarian cancer as well.[1] In fact, research suggests that women with breast cancer are roughly twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer.[1] Similarly, those with ovarian cancer may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer.[1]
But here's the good news: many risk factors can be influenced, such as weight, regular exercise, and alcohol consumption. Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.[1] Regular physical activity can also help lower the risk of breast cancer.[1]
To stay on top of your health, it's essential to discuss with your healthcare team about monitoring, screening, and preventive measures if you have a loved one or personal history of breast or ovarian cancer. If you notice any signs or symptoms, speak with a doctor right away. And remember, knowledge is power; learn more about these diseases and what you can do to stay healthy.
Links to Related Resources:
- Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer: What You Need To Know
- Genetics of Breast and Ovarian Cancer
- Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer
Endnotes:[1] Cancer. (2018, November 20). Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer: What's the Link? Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/ovarian-cancer/prognosis-staging-and-complications/breast-cancer-ovarian-cancer-whats-link[2] Cancer Research UK. (2022, May 6). Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer/risk-factors[3] National Cancer Institute. (2022, January 4). Breast Cancer: Risk Factors and Prevention. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/breast-risk-factors-pdq[4] American Cancer Society. (2022, September 15). Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/ovarian-cancer-risk-factors.html[5] Mayo Clinic. (2021, June 17). Ovarian cancer: Risk factors and prevention. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377838
- The link between ovarian and breast cancer is primarily due to shared genetic factors, such as mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- A family history of either breast or ovarian cancer, even without BRCA mutations, can increase your risk of developing these cancers.
- Advancing age, lifestyle choices, socioeconomic factors, reproductive factors, hormonal factors, and obesity are all shared risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers.
- If you've had breast cancer, you might have a slightly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer as well.
- Women with breast cancer are roughly twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer, and those with ovarian cancer may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer.
- Many risk factors can be influenced, such as weight, regular exercise, and alcohol consumption.
- Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
- To stay on top of women's health and manage risks associated with breast and ovarian cancers, it's essential to discuss monitoring, screening, and preventive measures with your healthcare team.
