Connection Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Key Factors and Associations
Rewritten Article:
Breast and Ovarian Cancer: A Tangled Link
There's a strong connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, largely due to genetic roots. This bond is particularly potent for individuals with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Breast and ovarian cancer share a bunch of genetic risk factors. Folks with these risk factors could have an increased probability of both malignancies.
Risk factors they have in common include older age, excess weight, never carrying a pregnancy full-term, and family history, among others. Some of these risk factors can be managed, like keeping a moderate weight.
Is There a Reciprocal Risk Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer?
According to various studies, individuals who've had breast cancer may have an augmented risk of developing ovarian cancer.
This elevated risk is predominantly associated with biological connections to genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. However, this increased risk isn't due to the illness itself but the hidden genetic factors.
Research suggests that people with breast cancer are approximately twice as likely to get subsequent primary ovarian cancer.
In contrast, ovarian cancer patients might experience a 1.6-fold enhanced risk of subsequent breast cancer, albeit the risk varies with the passage of time from their initial diagnosis.
People who've had ovarian cancer may also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer due to genetic mutations.
Other Shared Risk Factors for Breast and Ovarian Cancers
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most critical shared risk factors. Research indicates that around 40% of families with histories of both cancers have BRCA1 mutations, and nearly 20% have BRCA2 mutations[1][3].
Other shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers may include:
- Family history of either cancer
- Older age
- Overweight or obesity
- Having a first child over the age of 30
- Never having children
- Not breastfeeding
- Hormone therapy after menopause
Managing Risk: What Can People Do?
Some risk factors, like previous cancer history, are unchangeable. Managing these unchangeable risk factors often involves careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
A history of breast or ovarian cancer increases the risk of the other, particularly when these cancers are linked to genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2. People can't change this risk factor, but they can manage it.
Healthcare professionals may suggest frequent and thorough screenings for those with a history of breast or ovarian cancer to catch any new cancers early. This could involve regular:
- mammograms
- breast MRI scans
- pelvic exams
- transvaginal ultrasounds
- CA-125 blood tests
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations are the best strategies for monitoring and prevention.
For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors may consider additional options like prophylactic surgeries. These procedures involve removing organs or tissues to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
Modifiable Risk Factors
Changeable risk factors include:
- Weight: Maintaining a moderate weight can reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity may elevate estrogen levels, increasing the risk of breast cancer[1][2].
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise can lower the risk of breast cancer. While the link with ovarian cancer is less established, exercise may also have benefits[1][3].
- Alcohol Consumption: Cutting down on alcohol intake can lessen the risk of breast cancer[1]. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed, so doctors may recommend keeping booze consumption to a minimum.
- Oral Contraceptives: Oral contraceptives could potentially lower the risk of ovarian cancer. However, they might raise the risk of breast cancer slightly. People can discuss contraception options with their doctor to weigh the risks based on their circumstances.
Outlook
A 2020 observational study indicates that individuals with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer generally have a hopeful outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%[1].
However, the outlook improves when the interval between the two diseases is longer[1]. Ovarian cancer following breast cancer often involves a delayed diagnosis, which can negatively impact survival[1].
A person’s age at the time of their first cancer diagnosis and the time between the two cancers are significant factors in their overall survival.
When to Consult a Doctor
People should talk to a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially when they have a personal or family history of either disease.
Staying vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer is crucial. Early detection and prompt treatment are vital for improving results.
Resources for Cancer Information
Discover more evidence-based information and resources for cancer by visiting our dedicated hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
People with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of the following cancers:
- Breast cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Bile duct cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Acute leukemia
- Melanoma of the eye
Breast cancer can spread to the ovaries, although this is relatively uncommon. This generally happens in individuals with advanced breast cancer[1].
People at high risk of ovarian cancer include those who:
- Have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- Have a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Have Lynch syndrome
- Have endometriosis
- Never been pregnant
- Had a late first pregnancy
- Are over 40 years old.
Summary
Breast and ovarian cancers share many common genetic and lifestyle risk factors, and having one cancer can increase the risk of developing the other due to these shared factors.
The presence of one cancer increases the likelihood of the other due to overlapping risk factors, highlighting the importance of genetic counseling and risk assessment in individuals with personal or family histories of these cancers.
This understanding guides preventive strategies and surveillance for women at elevated risk, particularly those with known BRCA mutations or significant family histories. Early detection and management are vital in improving outcomes for both diseases.
[1] Berrino et al. (2019)
[2] Rebbeck et al. (2010)
[3] Kunkler et al. (2018)
- The bond between breast cancer and ovarian cancer is significantly due to genetic roots, particularly for individuals carrying mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- Individuals who have had breast cancer may have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, with a higher risk associated with genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- In addition to genetic mutations, shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers may include family history, older age, overweight or obesity, having a first child over the age of 30, never having children, not breastfeeding, and hormone therapy after menopause.
- People can manage their risk by maintaining a moderate weight, engaging in regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, discussing contraception options with their doctor, and undergoing recommended screenings.5.According to a 2020 observational study, individuals with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer generally have a hopeful outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%, but the outlook improves when the interval between the two diseases is longer.
