Connection Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Links and Risk Factors
Title: Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Shared Risks and Preventive Measures
Having breast cancer might increase the odds of developing ovarian cancer, and vice versa, thanks to certain genetic and lifestyle factors. Here's a breakdown of the connection between these two cancers and how you can reduce your risks.
The Link Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Both breast and ovarian cancer share some underlying genetic risk factors. People carrying these risk factors are more likely to develop both cancers. Genetic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most significant shared risk factors.
Genetic Factors
A majority of families with both ovarian and breast cancer have mutations in the BRCA1 gene, while around 20% have BRCA2 mutations. These mutations significantly increase the risk of both cancers, particularly for individuals who have already had one type of cancer.
Other Risk Factors
Modifiable risk factors include:
- Weight: Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity may lead to higher estrogen levels, which in turn increases the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity may reduce the risk of breast cancer, and limited evidence suggests the same for ovarian cancer. Exercise can help maintain a moderate weight and potentially have direct anticancer effects.
- Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake can reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women.
- Oral Contraceptives: Long-term use of oral contraceptives reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, but may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
Monitoring and Prevention
Healthcare professionals may recommend regular mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests for people with a history of breast or ovarian cancer to catch new cancers early. Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations is the best strategy for monitoring and prevention. For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors may consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries.
Those at high risk for either breast or ovarian cancer include individuals with a family history of these diseases, particularly those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Other risk factors include a personal history of cancer, never having children or having children later in life, and excessive alcohol consumption or lack of physical activity.
Outlook
People with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer generally have a favorable outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to be diagnosed at a later stage, which can affect survival. Various factors can impact a person's outlook.
When to Speak with a Doctor
It is essential to speak with a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially in individuals with a personal or family history of these diseases. Staying vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis is critical for prompt treatment and improving outcomes.
Visit our dedicated cancer hub for more evidence-based information and resources on breast and ovarian cancer.
Additional Enrichment Data:While the connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer is most notable through shared genetic factors, such as mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, research indicates that family history, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors can also increase the risk for both cancers. People with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, particularly in a first-degree relative, are at increased risk even without identified BRCA mutations. The risk for both cancers increases with age, postmenopause, and among certain ethnic groups, like Ashkenazi Jewish women. Other shared risk factors include oral contraceptive use, reproductive history, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity, although these factors have a stronger link to breast cancer.
- People with genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 are more likely to develop both breast and ovarian cancers, particularly if they have already had one type of cancer.
- Regular exercise, maintaining a moderate weight, and reducing alcohol intake can all help reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers.
- Long-term use of oral contraceptives reduces the risk of ovarian cancer but may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Healthcare professionals may use a combination of regular screenings and genetic testing to monitor and prevent breast and ovarian cancer in high-risk individuals.
- Individuals with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, are at increased risk for both types of cancer.
- The outlook for individuals with both primary breast and ovarian cancer is generally favorable, although ovarian cancer following breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, which can affect survival.
