Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Causes and Associated Risks
Breast cancer and ovarian cancer share a notorious bond, thanks to their genetic ties. The connection is particularly strong for folks sporting mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
These cancers sport similar genetic risk factors, and somebody with these hazardous genetic markers may have a heightened risk for both. Other shared risk factors include advancing age, extra pounds on the scale, and never carrying a pregnancy to full term. However, luckily, some of these risks can be minimized with healthy lifestyle choices.
Breast and Ovarian Cancer: A Dangerous Duo?
Medical research suggests that those who have battled breast cancer might have an enhanced risk of developing ovarian cancer. This risk magnifies if the breast cancer is associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations. The increased risk is more about the underlying genetics than the disease itself.
In fact, a study indicates that people with a breast cancer diagnosis are around twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer[1]. Conversely, those with ovarian cancer might face a 1.6-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer, although the exact risk can vary depending on the time since their initial diagnosis[1].
Similarly, ovarian cancer patients might have an increased risk of breast cancer, mainly due to genetic mutations.
Other Risk Factors for Breast and Ovarian Cancers
BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are the most potent shared risk factors. A study indicates that around 50% of families with ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 gene mutations, while about 20% have BRCA2 mutations[2].
Other shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers could include:
- Family history of either cancer
- Older age
- Overweight or obesity
- Having the first child after age 30
- Never having children
- Not breastfeeding
- Hormone therapy after menopause
Can People Lower the Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer?
While some risk factors might be unalterable, there's still hope. By making healthy lifestyle choices, one can lower the risk of both cancers.
Managing unchangeable risk factors might involve regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures. For instance, people with a history of breast or ovarian cancer may need more frequent and thorough screenings to catch any new cancers early. This might include:
- Regular mammograms
- Breast MRI scans
- Pelvic exams
- Transvaginal ultrasounds
- CA-125 blood tests
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations can help determine the best strategies for monitoring and prevention. For instance, doctors may consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries for those carrying genetic mutations.
Controllable Risk Factors
Changeable risk factors include:
- Weight: Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can reduce the risk for both breast and ovarian cancer.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity might lower the risk of breast cancer. Limited evidence also points to a link with ovarian cancer.
- Alcohol: Consuming less alcohol may lower the risk of breast cancer. Moderation is key, though, as excessive drinking carries various health risks.
- Oral contraceptives: Long-term use of oral contraceptives might slightly increase the risk of breast cancer but may help decrease the risk of ovarian cancer[3].
Outlook
A 2020 observational study suggests that individuals with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer might have a relatively optimistic outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates around 90%. The outlook tends to be more favorable when the time between the two cancers is longer[1].
However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer often occurs at a later stage, which can negatively impact survival[3].
When to Consult a Doctor
People should contact their healthcare team if they notice any signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer, especially with a personal or family history of these cancers. Being vigilant about recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis is crucial for improving outcomes.
Cancer Resources
For more evidence-based information and resources on cancer, visit our dedicated hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Risk of Other Cancers for Individuals with Ovarian Cancer:
- Breast cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Bile duct cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Acute leukemia
- Melanoma of the eye
Metastasis of Breast Cancer to the Ovaries:
While not very common, breast cancer can spread (metastasize) to the ovaries, usually in cases of advanced breast cancer. This might be more likely in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in individuals with BRCA mutations.
High-Risk Individuals for Ovarian Cancer:
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- A family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Lynch syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Never been pregnant
- Late first pregnancy
- Age over 40 years
Summary
A strong link exists between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, often due to shared genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Those with these mutations have a significantly higher risk of developing both cancers.
Additionally, a personal or family history of one cancer increases the risk of developing the other. By understanding and managing these genetic and environmental risk factors, individuals can take proactive steps such as genetic testing and lifestyle modifications to lower their risk.
People who have faced breast or ovarian cancer can work closely with their healthcare team to monitor signs of another cancer.
- Medical-conditions, such as breast cancer, might increase an individual's risk of developing ovarian cancer, particularly when the breast cancer is associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations.
- The risk of developing ovarian cancer is around twice as high for those who have already battled breast cancer, according to a study.
- Simultaneously, ovarian cancer patients might have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, largely due to genetic mutations.
- Shared risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers include family history, advancing age, overweight or obesity, having the first child after age 30, never having children, not breastfeeding, and hormone therapy after menopause.
- To lower the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer, people can make healthy lifestyle choices like maintaining a moderate weight, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and considering oral contraceptives.
- Genetic testing for mutations like BRCA1, BRCA2, and others can help determine the best strategies for monitoring and prevention, including prophylactic surgeries for those carrying genetic mutations.
- The outlook for individuals with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer is relatively optimistic, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates around 90%, according to a 2020 observational study.
- Other cancers that pose a risk for individuals with ovarian cancer include bladder, bile duct, colorectal, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
