Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Links and Risk Factors
Breast and Ovarian Cancer: What's the Link?
It's no secret that there's a powerful connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, primarily due to genetic factors. This link is especially strong in individuals carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
The Intertwined Relationship
Both breast and ovarian cancers share some underlying genetic risk factors. If you've got 'em, you might have a higher risk of developing both cancers. Aged 40 or above, carrying extra weight, or never having carried a pregnancy to term - these are modifiable risk factors you can potentially sway in your favor.
Sharing the Risk
People who've battled breast cancer might see an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. The risk hikes up if breast cancer has connections to genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2. Research suggests that breast cancer survivors are about twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer[1].
Ovarian cancer survivors can also face a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, but the risk fluctuates over time since the first cancer diagnosis[1].
Other Danger Zones
Besides BRCA1 and BRCA2, mutations in genes like PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, BRIP1, among others, are linked to an increased risk for both cancers[1].
Family Matters
A strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer raises the alarm. Even if you can't pin down BRCA1/2 mutations, it's a likely sign that other genetic or environmental factors are at play[1].
The Aging Game
Both cancers creep up with age, although breast cancer typically shows up earlier. Time ticks on, and so does your risk.
Ethnicity Long Game
Certain ethnic groups, like women of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, have a higher prevalence of hereditary cancer syndromes, even outside of BRCA1/2[1].
Hormonal and Reproductive Factors
Factors that increase lifetime estrogen exposure (early menarche, late menopause, never having children, or never breastfeeding) are risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers[4]. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, on the other hand, are protective factors for ovarian cancer[4].
Modifying the Risk
Some risk factors, such as having had breast or ovarian cancer previously, are unchangeable. To manage these unwavering risks, you'll want to embrace careful monitoring, life adjustments, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations is the ace up your sleeve for monitoring and prevention. For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors might consider additional options like prophylactic surgeries to nix the chance of cancer's occurrence or spread.
Change is in the Air
Modifiable risk factors include maintaining a moderate weight, getting regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and revisiting oral contraceptives with your doctor to weigh the risks based on your circumstances.
Outlook and Behaviors
A 2020 observational study suggests that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have relatively optimistic 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%. The outlook is generally brighter when the gap between the two diseases is larger[1]. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer often gets diagnosed at a later stage, which can take a toll on survival.
Staying Aware
Early detection is the key to better outcomes. If you notice any signs of either cancer, especially if you have a personal or family history, it's essential to speak with a doctor. Stay vigilant, and keep an eye out for signs of recurrence after a previous diagnosis.
For More Info
Eager to dig deeper? Swing by our dedicated cancer hub for more evidence-based information and resources on cancer[2].
FAQs
- Can ovarian cancer patients have an increased risk of other cancers?An increase in risk doesn't rule out other cancers. Ovarian cancer patients can have an increased risk of breast, bladder, bile duct, colorectal, acute leukemia, or melanoma of the eye, among others[2].
- Can breast cancer spread to the ovaries?While uncommon, breast cancer can metastasize to the ovaries. This seemingly more likely in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in people with BRCA mutations[2].
- Who is at high risk for ovarian cancer?People at high risk for ovarian cancer may have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, never had children, had a late first pregnancy, or aged 40 or above[2].
Wrapping Up
Beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2, shared risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer include powerful family histories, additional inherited gene mutations, personal cancer histories, advancing age, certain ethnic backgrounds, and hormonal/reproductive factors[1][5][4]. These elements intertwine to form a complex risk profile for both cancers.
- If an individual carries mutations in genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, BRIP1, or other relevant genes, they might have an increased risk for both breast and ovarian cancers.
- A strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, even without pinpointing BRCA1/2 mutations, is a likely signal of other genetic or environmental factors that influence the development of these medical conditions.
- People who have battled breast cancer may face an increased risk of developing subsequent primary ovarian cancer, particularly if the breast cancer is connected to genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2; research indicates that breast cancer survivors are about twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer.
- In addition to BRCA1 and BRCA2, certain ethnic groups, like women of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, have a higher prevalence of hereditary cancer syndromes, even outside of BRCA1/2.
- Factors that increase lifetime estrogen exposure, such as early menarche, late menopause, never having children, or never breastfeeding, are risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers.
- Modifiable risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers include maintaining a moderate weight, getting regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, revisiting oral contraceptives with a doctor to weigh the risks based on individual circumstances, and considering genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations for monitoring and prevention.
