Connection between breast and ovarian cancer: Identified links and contributory elements
Freaky Connections: Breast and Ovarian Cancer - The Twin Terror
There's a haunting link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, mostly due to genetic factors. This chilling bond is especially strong for folks who carry mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, a DNA duo that's notorious for boosting the risk of both cancers.
But wait, it gets scarier. Breast and ovarian cancer have more than genes in common. They share an eerie cohabitation of risky genetic factors, old age, being overweight or obese, and women who've never carried a baby full-term. Luckily, some of these dark shadows can be cast away by living a healthier lifestyle.
So, do breast and ovarian cancers fuel each other's existence?
According to the grim reaper of statistics, people who've battled breast cancer may face a heightened threat of developing ovarian cancer. And it's not because the cancer itself is an ovarian cancer vampire, but rather the underlying genetic mutations it may be connected to, like BRCA1 and BRCA2. Research suggests that folks with breast cancer are roughly twice as likely to develop secondary primary ovarian cancer.
On the flip side, ovarian cancer can also herald breast cancer. This could be thanks to genetic mutations, too.
Other wicked witches in the breast and ovarian cancer cauldron
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes stand out as the top evil partners in crime. Around 40% of families with ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 gene mutations, while a whopping 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
Other ghastly risk factors lurking in the shadows include:
- a family history of either cancer
- older age, with ovarian cancer typically pulling a prank in ladies over 40 while breast cancer strikes older ladies aged 55 or above
- overweight or obesity
- first child over 30
- never having children
- not breastfeeding
- hormone therapy post-menopause
Can the risk be banished?
Some risk factors, like having had breast or ovarian cancer previously, can't be controlled. However, managing these unruly risk factors may involve vigilant monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, at times, preventive medical procedures.
For instance, having a past with breast or ovarian cancer might increase the risk of developing the other, especially if these cancers share similar genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2. But no need to fret, as concerned healthcare professionals may propose more frequent and thorough screenings to catch any malicious intruders early, including:
- regular mammograms
- breast MRI scans
- pelvic exams
- transvaginal ultrasounds
- CA-125 blood tests
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other ominous mutations offers the best monitoring and prevention strategies. In some cases, doctors might consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries to remove organs or tissues and prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
Evil minions at bay?
Modifiable risk factors can be tamed:
- Weight: Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can lessen the specter of breast and ovarian cancer
- Physical activity: Regular exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer, with promising evidence supporting a connection with ovarian cancer
- Alcohol: Drinking in moderation lowers the risk of breast cancer
- Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives may inhibit ovarian cancer, but they may slightly raise the risk of breast cancer
Living healthily isn't a magic spell, but every reasonable change can weaken the grasp of these malevolent cancers.
Prognosis
A 2020 observational study claims that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer display a relatively good prognosis, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates circling around 90%. The outcome tends to be more promising when the interval between diagnoses is longer. However, ovarian cancer invading breast cancer territory usually means a later diagnosis, which might impact survival.
A person's age during their initial diagnosis and the time between the two cancers can significantly influence the prognosis.
Curious about personal prognosis? Have a chat with your trusted medical team.
When to speak with a doctor
If you spot swampy waters (symptoms) in the realm of breast or ovarian cancer, especially a family history of these dreadful beasts, it's vital to consult with a doctor, particularly if you're on high-risk watch. Remaining vigilant and catching a new malignancy early is key to better outcomes.
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FAQs
People with ovarian cancer may face an increased risk of:
- breast cancer
- bladder cancer
- bile duct cancer
- colorectal cancer
- acute leukemia
- melanoma of the eye
Breast cancer has an uncanny ability to metastasize (spread) to the ovaries, though it's relatively uncommon. This metastatic hocus pocus usually occurs in individuals with advanced breast cancer, particularly in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in people with BRCA mutations.
People at high risk of ovarian cancer include:
- 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
The Bottom Line
There's a strong thread linking breast cancer and ovarian cancer, primarily through shared genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. People with these mutations have a significantly higher likelihood of developing both cancers.
With a family history of these frightful conditions, constant vigilance, genetic testing, and prudent medical interventions become paramount for those at higher risk.
Folks who have survived breast or ovarian cancer can align forces with their healthcare team to monitor upcoming battles.
- Despite the shared genetic mutations between breast and ovarian cancer, there is no evidence that they directly fuel each other's existence.
- People who have undergone treatments for breast cancer may benefit from discussions with their healthcare professionals about increased risks of developing secondary primary ovarian cancer.
- Research shows that ovarian cancer can also signal an increased risk of breast cancer, due to common genetic mutations.
- Modifiable risk factors like weight, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and birth control use can potentially reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
- Regular screenings, such as mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests, may aid in the early detection of breast and ovarian cancer.
- Awareness of family medical history is crucial in identifying individuals at higher risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer.
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, common in families with both breast and ovarian cancer, can guide options for genetic testing and preventive medical procedures.
- Besides breast and ovarian cancer, individuals with ovarian cancer may also face increased risks of developing bladder, bile duct, colorectal, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
- In the case of advanced breast cancer, particularly breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in people with BRCA mutations, the ovaries may become a site for metastasis.
