Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Underlying Linkages and Potential Risk Factors
Rewritten Article:
Breast and ovarian cancers share a strong relationship, primarily due to shared genetic factors. The connection is particularly strong for individuals carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Individuals with breast cancer may have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, particularly if the breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. This elevated risk is based on the underlying genetic factors rather than the disease itself. In fact, people with breast cancer are approximately twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer. On the other hand, women with ovarian cancer have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, although the risk varies with time since their first cancer diagnosis.
People with ovarian cancer also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, often due to genetic mutations.
Apart from genetics, other common risk factors for both cancers include:
- Family history of either cancer
- Older age, with ovarian cancer typically occurring in women over 40 years and breast cancer in those ages 55 years or older
- Overweight or obesity
- Having a first child over the age of 35
- Never having children
- Not breastfeeding
- Hormone therapy after menopause
Managing and Reducing Risk Factors
While some risk factors, such as genetics, are unchangeable, there are steps that people can take to manage and potentially reduce their risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
A history of breast or ovarian cancer increases the risk of ovarian cancer and vice versa, particularly for those with genetic mutations. Although this risk factor is unchangeable, it can be managed using regular screenings, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
Healthcare professionals may recommend:
- Regular mammograms
- Breast MRI scans
- Pelvic exams
- Transvaginal ultrasounds
- CA-125 blood tests
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations is a valuable strategy for monitoring and prevention, especially for those carrying genetic mutations. In such cases, doctors may consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries, which involve removing organs or tissues to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
Modifiable risk factors include:
- Weight: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity may lead to increased estrogen levels, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular exercise: Regular physical activity lowers the risk of breast cancer and may also have indirect anticancer effects in both breasts and ovaries.
- Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake reduces the risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed, so health professionals may recommend limiting intake.
- Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives may lower the risk of ovarian cancer ($image:thumbs-smile$). 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.
Prognosis and Outlook
A 2020 observational study suggests that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively favorable outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%. The outlook is generally better when the interval between the two diseases is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer often involves a later stage of diagnosis, which can negatively affect survival.
Various factors can affect a person's outlook. If someone wants more information about their individual outlook, they can speak with their healthcare team.
When to Speak with a Doctor
People should speak with a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially with a personal or family history of these diseases. It is essential to stay vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
Additional Resources
To discover more evidence-based information and resources for cancer, visit our dedicated hub.
FAQs
- Can people with ovarian cancer develop breast cancer? Yes, people with ovarian cancer have a 1.6-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer, though the risk varies with time since their first cancer diagnosis.
- What other cancers might people with ovarian cancer develop? In addition to breast cancer, people with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of bladder cancer, bile duct cancer, colorectal cancer, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
- Can breast cancer spread to the ovaries? While it is relatively uncommon, breast cancer can metastasize (spread) to the ovaries, especially in cases of advanced breast cancer or hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers.
- Who is at high risk for ovarian cancer? People 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 having been pregnant, having a late first pregnancy, and age over 40 years.
- The strong relationship between breast and ovarian cancers is primarily due to shared genetic factors, particularly in individuals with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- People with breast cancer have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if the breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations.
- Individuals with ovarian cancer also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, often due to genetic mutations.
- Both breast and ovarian cancers have common risk factors such as family history of either cancer, older age, overweight or obesity, having a first child over the age of 35, never having children, not breastfeeding, hormone therapy after menopause, and women's health conditions like menopause.
- Managing and potentially reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer can be achieved through regular screenings, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures, such as regular mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests.
- Modifiable risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer include achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, oral contraceptives, and discussing contraception options with a doctor.
