Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Causes and Risk Factors
Busting the Link between Boobs and Ova:
Catching the Connection
There's a strong bond between breast and ovarian cancer, mostly due to genetic factors. This connection is strongest for individuals carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
After battling breast cancer, you might find yourself facing higher odds of developing ovarian cancer, particularly if the breast cancer is linked to the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. But don't be alarmed, as the increased risk is primarily linked to the underlying genetic factors – not the cancer itself.
It turns out that people with breast cancer are about twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer. Meanwhile, those who've had ovarian cancer may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, although this risk changes over time since the initial diagnosis. This tells us that people with ovarian cancer may also have a higher chance of developing breast cancer due to shared genetic abnormalities.
Risk Factors
Besides BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, family history, older age, overweight/obesity, never carrying a pregnancy to term, and reproductive history contribute to the common risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers. Approximately 10-20% of families with breast and ovarian cancer carry BRCA1 gene mutations, while around 20% carry BRCA2 mutations.
On the Bright Side
Some risk factors are unchangeable, such as having had breast or ovarian cancer. Coping strategies may include regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and in certain cases, preventive medical procedures. People should engage in discussions with their healthcare professionals about the importance of genetic testing, regular screenings, and sometimes prophylactic surgeries for those carrying the high-risk mutations.
Malleable Risk Factors
There are factors that you can modify to reduce your risk, including weight, exercise, and alcohol consumption. Keeping a moderate weight and engaging in regular physical activity can lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Slashing your alcohol intake will lower the risk of breast cancer, although its impact on ovarian cancer remains debatable.
What's Up Ahead
A 2020 observational study suggests that individuals with both primary breast cancer and ovarian cancer tend to have a positive outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates around 90%. An extended time period between the two cancers typically leads to a more optimistic outlook. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer often occurs at a later stage, negatively impacting survival.
Factors such as age during the first diagnosis and the time between both cancers play crucial roles in determining the overall survival rate. If you're curious about your personal outlook, it's best to consult your healthcare team.
Seeking Help
If you notice any signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer or have a personal or family history of these diseases, reach out to a doctor immediately. Staying vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis is crucial for rapid treatment and an improved outcome.
Explore our hub for more evidence-based information and resources related to cancer, and remember to consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
- People with ovarian cancer may be at risk of several other cancers, including bladder cancer, bile duct cancer, colorectal cancer, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
- Breast cancer can spread to the ovaries, although it happens infrequently. Typically, this occurs more often in advanced breast cancer cases, particularly in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers or those with BRCA gene mutations.
- High-risk individuals for ovarian cancer include those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, nulliparity, late first pregnancy, and advanced age.
- Individuals carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes often have a stronger connection between breast and ovarian cancer, increasing the chance of developing both types of cancer.
- Those who have survived breast cancer may face a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, particularly if the breast cancer is linked to the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
- Family history, older age, overweight/obesity, never carrying a pregnancy to term, and reproductive history contribute to the common risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers, alongside BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
- Modifying factors such as weight, exercise, and alcohol consumption can lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, making them more manageable health-and-wellness issues related to medical-conditions like cancer and women's health.
- People diagnosed with both primary breast cancer and ovarian cancer may have a positive outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates around 90%, but ovarian cancer following breast cancer often occurs at a later stage, impacting survival rates.
