Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Underlying Factors and Associations
Breast and ovarian cancer share a strong genetic link, particularly for individuals carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genetic risk factors can lead to an increased likelihood of developing both cancers.
Some other shared risk factors for these cancers include older age, overweight or obesity, and never carrying a pregnancy to term. However, some of these risks can be influenced, such as achieving and maintaining a moderate weight.
Individuals who have had breast cancer may face a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if their breast cancer carries links to genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Conversely, those with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of breast cancer, often due to genetic mutations. According to research, people with breast cancer are roughly twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer. The risk for ovarian cancer to develop subsequent breast cancer is 1.6 times higher, though this risk varies with time since the first cancer diagnosis.
Besides genetic factors, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most significant shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers. Approximately 5-10% of families with ovarian and breast cancer have BRCA1 gene mutations, while around 20% have BRCA2 mutations.
Other common risk factors for both cancers include a family history of either cancer, older age, overweight or obesity, having a first child after age 30, never having children, no history of breastfeeding, and hormone therapy after menopause.
To reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, some risk factors, such as having had breast or ovarian cancer previously, are unchangeable. However, people can manage these unchangeable risk factors through careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventative medical procedures. Healthcare professionals may suggest regular mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests for those at higher risk. Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations is often the best strategy for monitoring and prevention.
For individuals carrying genetic mutations, doctors may consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries to remove organs or tissues to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
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 for ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to be more positive when the interval between the two cancers is longer.
People with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of several additional cancers, including bladder, bile duct, colorectal, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye. Metastasis of breast cancer to the ovaries is relatively uncommon but may occur in people with advanced breast cancer, especially those with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer or BRCA mutations.
Those at high risk of ovarian cancer include individuals with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, never being pregnant, having a late first pregnancy, and being over 40 years old.
People should speak with a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially if there is 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 key to improving outcomes.
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- Breast cancer and ovarian cancer share a strong genetic link, with genetic mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increasing the likelihood of developing both cancers.
- Beside genetic factors, other shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers include a family history of either cancer, older age, overweight or obesity, having a first child after age 30, never having children, no history of breastfeeding, and hormone therapy after menopause.
- People carrying genetic mutations may consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries to remove organs or tissues to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
- Healthcare professionals may suggest regular exams and tests, such as mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests, for those at higher risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
- Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations is often the best strategy for monitoring and prevention of breast and ovarian cancers.
- Individuals should speak with a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially if there is a personal or family history of these diseases, as early detection and prompt treatment are key to improving outcomes.
