Connection Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Causes and Risk Factors
Breast and ovarian cancer share significant genetic and lifestyle risk factors, contributing to an increased prevalence of both cancers in certain individuals.
A well-established link between the two cancers is the genetic factor, with a strong association particularly for those carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, key players in DNA repair and tumor development.
Apart from genetic factors, other shared risk factors include older age, overweight or obesity, and a history of certain reproductive events. People may be able to influence some of these risk factors, such as maintaining a moderate weight and having children at an earlier age.
Individuals who have developed breast cancer may find themselves at a greater likelihood of developing ovarian cancer, with the risk particularly elevated if the breast cancer is linked to BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations. Likewise, those who have battled ovarian cancer may face a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer.
In addition to genetic mutations, family history, hormone therapy, and reproductive factors also contribute to the shared risk of both cancers.
Managing unchangeable risk factors, such as a history of breast or ovarian cancer, may involve careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures. Regular screenings, such as mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests, can help detect new cancers early. Genetic testing, specifically for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations, also serves as an important strategy for monitoring and prevention.
Modifiable risk factors, such as weight, regular exercise, alcohol consumption, and oral contraceptive use, can be influenced and reduced to lower the risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancers.
A 2020 observational study suggests that individuals diagnosed with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively favorable outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates around 90%. However, an ovarian cancer diagnosis following breast cancer often occurs at a later stage, negatively impacting survival rates.
Individuals with signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer, especially those with a personal or family history of these diseases, should consult a healthcare professional. Proactive monitoring and early detection are essential for improving outcomes.
Various factors can affect an individual's prognosis. Those seeking more information about their personal outlook are encouraged to discuss it with their healthcare team.
Those diagnosed with either breast or ovarian cancer may also be at increased risk of developing additional cancers, such as bladder, bile duct, colorectal, or melanoma of the eye, as well as acute leukemia.
When breast cancer metastasizes (spreads) to the ovaries, it is relatively uncommon but can occur more frequently in advanced breast cancer, particularly for hormone receptor-positive cancers or those with BRCA mutations.
Those with a higher risk of ovarian cancer include BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation carriers, those with a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, individuals with Lynch syndrome, those with endometriosis, nulliparous women, individuals who had a late first pregnancy, and those over 40 years of age.
- The genetic factor, such as mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, plays a significant role in both breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
- Apart from genetic factors, older age, overweight or obesity, and a history of certain reproductive events also contribute to the shared risk of these cancers.
- Individuals who have developed breast cancer may be at a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if the breast cancer is linked to BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
- Managing unchangeable risk factors, such as a history of breast or ovarian cancer, may involve careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and preventive medical procedures.
- Modifiable risk factors, such as weight, regular exercise, alcohol consumption, and oral contraceptive use, can be influenced and reduced to lower the risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancers.
- Those with a higher risk of ovarian cancer include BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation carriers, those with a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, individuals with Lynch syndrome, those with endometriosis, nulliparous women, individuals who had a late first pregnancy, and those over 40 years of age.
