Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Key Links and Risk Factors
Breast and Ovarian Cancer: A Sneaky Duo
There's a clear connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, mostly due to genetic factors. This duo can be quite the troublemaker for those carrying certain mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Cancer sharing session! Breast and ovarian cancers have some common risk factors lurking around. These may increase the chances of developing either variant. Being mindful of these factors might help you keep cancer at bay.
The Whispered Threat of Breast Cancer on Ovarian Cancer
If you've been through the fight with breast cancer, beware - you may be at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Fear not, it's not because of the cancer itself, but mainly due to underlying genetic links. Research indicates that those who've had breast cancer are approximately twice as likely to get ovarian cancer.
On the contrary, having ovarian cancer might increase the chances of subsequent breast cancer in the future. The risk varies with time since the initial diagnosis.
Other Suspects: Shared Risk Factors for Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Beyond the beloved BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, other shared risk factors contribute to the unique bond between these cancers. These include genetic, lifestyle, reproductive, and hormonal factors, as well as pathogenic variants in other genes.
- Genetic Profundities: Other than BRCA, pathogenic variants in genes such as PALB2, ATM, and CHEK2 also play a role in breast cancer risk. For example, PALB2 is associated with the chance for estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer, a lot like BRCA1.
- Family History: Those with a family history of either breast or ovarian cancer, independently of BRCA mutations, show signs of inherited predisposition that may involve other genetic factors.
- UnHealthy Lifestyles: Body mass index (BMI), smoking, and alcohol consumption have been studied as potential modifiers of breast cancer risk in carriers of pathogenic variants, showing varying degrees of influence. Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and exposure to carcinogens can contribute to cancer risk but may have differential impacts based on genetic background.
- Rebyring & Hormonal Hangups: Reproductive and hormonal factors, such as parity (number of childbirths), breastfeeding, use of menopausal hormone therapy, and age at menarche or menopause, affect the risk for both cancers.
- Population Differences: Risk prediction models like BOADICEA highlight that genetic risk and the impact of lifestyle and reproductive factors vary by ancestry and population due to differences in linkage disequilibrium, allele frequencies, and lifestyle distributions. Populations of African ancestry have different risk factor profiles compared to those of European ancestry, affecting the applicability of standard risk models.
Can We Dodge the Bullet?
Some risk factors are etched in stone, like a previous cancer diagnosis. Managing these unchangeable risk factors requires careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and sometimes even preventive medical procedures.
If you have a history of either breast or ovarian cancer, your healthcare team may suggest more frequent and thorough screenings to catch any new cancers early. This might involve regular mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests. Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations is essential for effective monitoring and prevention strategies.
For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors may discuss additional options such as prophylactic surgeries that involve removing organs or tissues to prevent cancer occurrence or spread.
Modifiable Risk Factors
Here's a bit of good news! You can influence some risk factors.
- Weight Watchers: Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can help reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. However, obesity may lead to higher estrogen levels and increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Active Lifestyle: Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer, and there's limited evidence supporting a link between exercise and ovarian cancer. Exercise can help you maintain a moderate weight and may also have direct anticancer effects.
- Sober Thoughts: Reducing alcohol intake lessens the risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed, so it's a good idea to limit intake.
- The Pill Game: Oral contraceptives may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. However, they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. Discuss contraception options with a doctor to weigh the risks based on your situation.
The Sunny Side
A 2020 observational study suggests that those diagnosed with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have relatively favorable overall survival rates, around 90%, for 5- and 10-year survivals. The prognosis is generally better when the gap between the two cancers is larger. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to be diagnosed at a later stage, negatively affecting survival.
Various factors can impact a person's outlook. If you want more information about your individual prognosis, consult your healthcare team.
When to Ring the Alarm
It is crucial to discuss any signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer with a doctor, especially with a family history of these diseases. Stay vigilant for any signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis. Early detection and prompt treatment are key for positive outcomes.
Cancer Companions
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Ovarian Cancer - A Neighborhood Watch of Other Cancers: People with ovarian cancer may be at an increased risk of developing other cancers, including breast, bladder, bile duct, colorectal, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
- Breast Cancer's Outsourced Mutation: Breast cancer can metastasize (spread) to the ovaries, although this is relatively uncommon. This spread may be more common in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in those with BRCA mutations.
- Living with a Target on Your Back: Those at high risk of ovarian cancer include those 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 age over 40 years.
Wrapping Up
A strong link exists between breast cancer and ovarian cancer due to shared genetic mutations, particularly those found in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Other than BRCA mutations, other pathogenic gene variants, family history, lifestyle choices, and reproductive/hormonal factors contribute to the cancer susceptibility of both diseases, interacting and differing by population.[1][3][4][5] In other words, stay vigilant and work with your healthcare team to take control of your health.
- If you have a history of breast cancer, be aware that you may have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, due to underlying genetic links.
- Conversely, having ovarian cancer might increase the chances of subsequent breast cancer in the future.
- Other shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer include genetic, lifestyle, reproductive, and hormonal factors, as well as pathogenic variants in genes like PALB2, ATM, and CHEK2.
- Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight, regular physical activity, reducing alcohol intake, and discussing contraception options with a doctor can help reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
- Early detection and prompt treatment are key for positive outcomes, and it is crucial to discuss any signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer with a doctor, especially with a family history of these diseases.
- Those at high risk of ovarian cancer includes those 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 age over 40 years.
