Connection and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer: An Overview
Rewritten Article:
In a nutshell, breast and ovarian cancer have a close relationship, largely attributed to genetic factors. This connection is particularly strong for individuals bearing mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Both diseases share some underlying genetic risk factors, and people who possess these risk genes may face an increased possibility of both cancers. Age, weight, and reproductive history are other common risk factors that people might have some control over.
Do breast and ovarian cancers boost each other's risk?
Well, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the possibility of getting ovarian cancer rises for those who have had breast cancer. This escalated risk is largely due to shared genetic mutations, like BRCA1 or BRCA2, rather than the disease itself.
Research suggests that people with breast cancer are approximately twice as likely to develop primary ovarian cancer in the future. For those with ovarian cancer, the risk of subsequent breast cancer increases, though the risk fluctuates over time since their initial cancer diagnosis.
On the flip side, individuals with ovarian cancer also face an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This might be due to genetic mutations.
Other risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer
Genetic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most common shared risk factors. Approximately 40% of families with both breast and ovarian cancers have BRCA1 mutations, while around 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
Additional risk factors for both cancers include:
- Family history of either cancer
- Older age (ovarian cancer typically develops in people over 40 and breast cancer frequently occurs in those aged 55 or older)
- Overweight or obesity
- Having a first child after 30
- Never having children
- Not breastfeeding
- Hormone therapy after menopause
Can people reduce the risks of breast and ovarian cancer?
Some risk factors, such as a previous breast or ovarian cancer diagnosis, are beyond a person's control. Managing these unchangeable risk factors might involve careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some instances, preventative medical procedures.
Those with a history of breast or ovarian cancer may face a higher risk of developing another cancer, particularly if these cancers are related to genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2. We can't change this risk factor, but we can manage it.
Healthcare providers may advise individuals with a history of breast or ovarian cancer to undergo more frequent and comprehensive screenings to catch any new cancers early. This may involve:
- Regular mammograms
- Breast MRI scans
- Pelvic exams
- Transvaginal ultrasounds
- CA-125 blood tests
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations can be the most effective way to monitor and prevent infections. For those with identified mutations, doctors might consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries. These procedures involve the removal of organs or tissues to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
Modifiable risk factors
Changeable risk factors include:
- Weight: Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can decrease the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity might lead to higher estrogen levels, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Limited evidence also supports a link with ovarian cancer. Exercise can help maintain a moderate weight and may also have direct anti-cancer effects.
- Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake can lower the risk of breast cancer. The risk escalates with higher consumption, so healthcare professionals might recommend limiting intake.
- Birth control: Oral contraceptives might decrease the chance of ovarian cancer. However, oral contraceptives might slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. People can discuss contraception options with a doctor to weigh the risks based on their situation.
Outlook
A 2020 observational study suggests that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively optimistic outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%. The prognosis is typically more promising when the interval between the two diseases is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer often leads to a later-stage diagnosis, which can negatively impact survival.
A person's age during their initial cancer diagnosis and the time between the two cancers are crucial predictors of overall survival.
Numerous factors can affect a person's outlook. If someone seeks more information about their individual outlook, they can have a discussion with their healthcare team.
When to consult a doctor
People should consult a doctor if any signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer emerge, particularly when there's a personal or family history of these diseases. Vigilance for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer is essential since early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
Resources for cancer information
To find more credible information and resources for cancer, visit our dedicated hub.
Frequently asked questions
Can ovarian cancer increase the risk of the following cancers?
- breast cancer
- bladder cancer
- bile duct cancer
- colorectal cancer
- acute leukemia
- melanoma of the eye
Breast cancer can metastasize (spread) to the ovaries, although it is relatively uncommon. In cases of spread, it usually develops in individuals with advanced breast cancer. This might be more likely in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in people with BRCA mutations.
People at high risk for ovarian cancer include:
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Lynch syndrome
- endometriosis
- never having children
- having a late first pregnancy
- being over 40 years old
Summary
A strong link exists between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, primarily due to their shared genetic and lifestyle risk factors, particularly mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. People with these mutations face significantly higher odds of developing both cancers.
Moreover, a personal or family history of one cancer increases the risk of developing the other. Genetic testing, regular screenings, and lifestyle changes can help reduce risks and lead to early detection and treatment.
Those who have had breast or ovarian cancer can work with their healthcare team to monitor signs of another cancer and make informed decisions about treatment and prevention options.
- Those who have had breast cancer are approximately twice as likely to develop primary ovarian cancer in the future, a risk attributable to shared genetic mutations.
- For individuals with ovarian cancer, the risk of subsequent breast cancer increases, although this risk fluctuates over time from their initial cancer diagnosis.
- Genetic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most common shared risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers, affecting around 40% and 20% of families with both diseases, respectively.
- Other risk factors for both cancers include family history, older age, overweight or obesity, having a first child after 30, never having children, not breastfeeding, hormone therapy after menopause, and a history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- To manage unchangeable risk factors, healthcare providers may advise more frequent and comprehensive screenings, genetic testing, and preventative medical procedures.
- Changeable risk factors include achieving a moderate weight, regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, discussing contraception options with a doctor, and ensuring good mental health, skin care, and a healthy diet for overall women's health and menopause management.
- People at high risk for ovarian cancer include those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, never having children, having a late first pregnancy, and being over 40 years old.
- The 2020 observational study suggests that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have relatively optimistic 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%.
- People should consult a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer emerge, particularly for those with a personal or family history of these diseases, as early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
- To find more credible information and resources for cancer, visit the dedicated hub provided.
- Ovarian cancer can increase the risk of several other cancers, including breast cancer, bladder cancer, bile duct cancer, colorectal cancer, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye, although these are more related to cases of spread rather than increased development risk.
