Link between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Risk Factors
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Heard the scoop on breast cancer and ovarian cancer? Here's the lowdown. These two cancers are like bird and feather – they often come as a pair. The connection between them mostly boils down to genetic factors, with the relationship being particularly tight for individuals carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Breast and ovarian cancer share some common gene-related risk factors. If you've got the goods, you may have an increased risk of both cancers. Other mutual risk factors include getting older, living the high life (overweight or obese), and never blessing the world with a little runt (never carrying a pregnancy to term). Luckily, some of these risk factors can be managed, like reaching and keeping a healthy weight.
Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Pairing Up
Surprised? People who have battled breast cancer may end up facing off with ovarian cancer as well. This is especially true if breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. However, the increased risk is due to the underlying genetics, not the disease itself. Research suggests that breast cancer patients are around twice as likely to subsequently develop primary ovarian cancer.
But it's not just breast cancer patients who are at risk. Ovarian cancer patients also face an increased risk of developing breast cancer, thanks to genetics.
Genes: The Strange Attractors of Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most notorious shared risk factors. Studies show that around 40% of families with ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 mutations, while around 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
Other Risk Factors in the Spotlight
- Family history of either cancer
- Age – ovarian cancer typically occurs in women over 40 years, while breast cancer takes over in those ages 55 years or older
- Overweight or obesity
- Having a first child after 30
- Never having children
- Not breastfeeding
- Hormone therapy after menopause
Reducing the Risks
While some risk factors, like a history of breast or ovarian cancer, can't be changed, managing these unchangeable risk factors is crucial. This can involve careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
A history of breast or ovarian cancer increases the risk of the other cancer, especially if these cancers are linked to genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. While a person cannot change this risk factor, they can manage it.
Healthcare professionals may advise that people with a history of breast or ovarian cancer undergo more frequent and thorough screenings to catch any new cancers early. This may include undergoing regular mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests. Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations is the best strategy for monitoring and prevention.
For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors may recommend additional options such as prophylactic surgeries, which involve removing organs or tissues to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
Making Life Better: Changeable Risk Factors
Modifiable risk factors include:
- Weight: Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity may lead to higher estrogen levels, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer, with limited evidence also supporting a link with ovarian cancer. Exercise can help maintain a moderate weight and may also have direct anticancer effects.
- Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake can decrease the risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed, so healthcare professionals may advise limiting intake.
- Oral Contraceptives: Oral contraceptives may lower the risk of ovarian cancer. However, they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. People can discuss contraception options with a doctor to weigh the risks based on their circumstances.
Time for a Sunny Outlook
A recent observational study suggests that individuals diagnosed with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively positive outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%. The outlook is generally more positive when the interval between the two diseases is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to involve diagnosis at a later stage, which can negatively affect survival.
Various factors can influence a person's outlook. If someone wants more information about their individual outlook, they can discuss it with their healthcare team.
When to Chat with a Doc
Make sure to speak with a doctor if you spot signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer, especially if you have a personal or family history of these diseases. Keeping a keen eye out for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer is crucial, as early detection and prompt treatment significantly improve outcomes.
Cancer Resources
For more evidence-based information and resources for cancer, check out our dedicated hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Ovarian Cancer Risks: People with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of the following cancers: breast cancer, bladder cancer, bile duct cancer, colorectal cancer, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
- Breast Cancer Metastasis: Breast cancer can metastasize (spread) to the ovaries, although it's relatively uncommon. This usually develops in individuals with advanced breast cancer, particularly those with hormone receptor-positive tumors or BRCA mutations.
- High-risk Ovarian Cancer Profile: Individuals who are at high risk of ovarian cancer include those with: BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, never being pregnant, having a late first pregnancy, and being over 40 years old.
- Breast cancer patients may face an increased risk of ovarian cancer as well, especially if their breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most notorious shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer.
- A history of either breast or ovarian cancer increases the risk of the other cancer, especially if these cancers are linked to genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors may recommend additional options such as prophylactic surgeries to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
- Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
- Ovarian cancer patients also face an increased risk of developing breast cancer, thanks to genetics.
- If someone wants more information about their individual outlook after a diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer, they can discuss it with their healthcare team.
- People with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of developing other types of cancer, such as breast cancer, bladder cancer, bile duct cancer, colorectal cancer, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
