Cancer link and risk factors: Exploring the connection between breast and ovarian cancer
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Did you know that breast and ovarian cancers have a strong connection, mainly due to shared genetic factors? This link is particularly evident in individuals carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
These two cancers are more than just distant relatives. They share some underlying genetic risk factors, which may increase the odds of both cancers for some people.
The Link Between Breast and Ovarian Cancers
If you've had breast cancer, beware—you could have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. This risk is even higher if your breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. However, this increased risk originates from the underlying genetic factors rather than the disease itself.
Research suggests that people with breast cancer are around twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer. Meanwhile, those with ovarian cancer have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, although the risk varies over time since their first cancer diagnosis.
It's not just one way, either. Ovarian cancer can also increase the risk of developing breast cancer, often due to shared genetic mutations.
Other Risk Factors for Breast and Ovarian Cancers
Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most significant shared risk factors. Research suggests around 40% of families with cases of both ovarian and breast cancer carry BRCA1 mutations, while about 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
Besides BRCA1/2, other high- or moderate-penetrance gene variants contribute to breast cancer susceptibility, though their roles in ovarian cancer are less well defined.
Other shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers may include:
- a family history of either cancer
- older age (ovarian cancer is more common in people over 40 years old, while breast cancer affects those aged 55 or older)
- overweight or obesity
- having a first child after the age of 30
- never having children
- not breastfeeding
- hormone therapy after menopause
Managing the Risk
Some risk factors, such as having had breast or ovarian cancer previously, are unchangeable. However, you can manage these unchangeable risk factors with careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
Healthcare professionals may suggest that people with a history of breast or ovarian cancer undergo more frequent and thorough screenings to catch any new cancers early. Regular mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests are common options.
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations is the best strategy for monitoring and prevention. For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors may consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries to remove organs or tissues and prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
Reducing the Changeable Risks
Modifiable risk factors include maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and reconsidering oral contraceptives.
Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can help reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity may lead to higher estrogen levels and increase the risk of breast cancer.
Regular physical activity may help lower the risk of breast cancer and may also have direct anticancer effects. Exercise can help you maintain a moderate weight and reduce the risk of ovarian cancer as well.
Limiting alcohol intake may help lower the risk of breast cancer, as the risk increases based on the amount of alcohol consumed. Healthcare professionals may recommend limiting your intake.
Oral contraceptives may lower the risk of ovarian cancer. However, they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, so it's essential to discuss contraception options with your doctor to weigh the risks based on your unique circumstances.
Outlook
Although breast cancer and ovarian cancer are linked, the outlook depends on various factors. 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%.
When the interval between the two diseases is longer, the outlook is generally more positive. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, which can negatively impact survival.
A person's age during their first cancer diagnosis and the time between the two cancers are significant predictors of overall survival.
For more information about your individual outlook or resources for cancer, visit our dedicated hub.
When to Speak with a Doctor
Remember: no one should face cancer alone. If you notice signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer—especially if you have a personal or family history of these diseases—it's essential to speak with a doctor. 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.
[1] Breast health: Are you at greater risk? - Mayo Clinic. (2019). https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/breast-health/art-20045840
[2] Breast Cancer Risk Factors. (2020). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
[3] Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention. (2020). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
[4] Cohen, M. I., et al. (2019). Susceptibility alleles at TP53, CHEK2, PALB2, and ATM contribute to breast cancer risk. Journal of the National cancer Institute, 111(4), 305–313.
[5] Leyland, A. H., et al. (2017). Familial breast cancer. The Lancet, 389(10079), 1469–1479.
- The connection between ovarian and breast cancers is primarily due to shared genetic factors, particularly in individuals with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- Recent research indicates that people with breast cancer have a significantly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, while those with ovarian cancer have an increased risk of subsequent breast cancer.
- In the field of oncology, science has identified BRCA1 and BRCA2 as the most significant shared risk factors for these cancers, with around 40% and 20% of families with both ovarian and breast cancer carrying these mutations, respectively.
- Besides BRCA1/2, other high- or moderate-penetrance gene variants contribute to breast cancer susceptibility, although their roles in ovarian cancer are less well defined.
- Managing the risk of these cancers involves both unchangeable factors, such as previous cancer history, and modifiable risk factors, such as maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and reconsidering oral contraceptives.
- It is essential for individuals with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer to remain vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer, as early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in women's health and overall health-and-wellness.
