Connection Between Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer: Causes and Hazard Factors
Let's Dish on Breast and Ovarian Cancer Connections
Breast and ovarian cancers, two dangerous foes, share a strong bond - mainly due to genetic factors. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as we'll dig into, are the main culprits.
Breast cancer survivors could face an increased risk of ovarian cancer. This risk is intensified if their breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations, like BRCA1 or BRCA2. However, this heightened risk is more about the underlying genetics, not the disease itself. So, if you've got breast cancer in your sights, keep an eye on the ovarian side as well.
Research suggests that people with breast cancer are approximately twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer. On the flip side, ovarian cancer survivors face a 1.6-fold increase in the risk of subsequent breast cancer. This risk varies with the passage of time since their initial diagnosis.
And guess what? Ovarian cancer survivors may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer too, due to genetic reasons.
Other Risk Factors for Breast and Ovarian Cancers
Here are some common risk factors for both cancers:
- Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most significant shared risk factors. Around 40% of families with a history of both cancers have BRCA1 mutations, and around 20% have BRCA2 mutations [1][3].
- Other genetic variants, including pathogenic variants in moderate to high-penetrance genes and polygenic risk scores, also contribute to the risk of both cancers [4][5].
- A family history of either cancer.
- Older age, with ovarian cancer typically occurring in people over 40, and breast cancer in those ages 55 and older.
- Overweight or obesity, which could cause increased estrogen levels, escalating the risk of breast cancer.
- Having a first child after age 30.
- Never having children.
- Not breastfeeding.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for post-menopausal women.
Can preventative measures be taken?
Can't do anything about certain risk factors? Well, manage them with vigilance, lifestyle changes, and sometimes, preventive medical procedures. For instance, people with a history of breast or ovarian cancer might undergo more frequent and comprehensive screenings to spot new cancers early. This may include mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests.
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations can be the best strategy for monitoring and prevention. Those carrying genetic mutations might need additional options like prophylactic surgeries. These procedures involve removing organs or tissues to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
Modifiable factors
Modifiable risk factors include:
- Weight: Reaching and maintaining a moderate weight can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
- Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can lower the risk of breast cancer, and there's limited evidence supporting a link with ovarian cancer too. Exercise can assist in maintaining a moderate weight and has direct anticancer effects.
- Alcohol: Cutting down on alcohol intake decreases the risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with alcohol consumption, so healthcare professionals may advise limiting intake.
- Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. However, they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. People can chat with their doctors about contraception options to weigh the risks based on their unique circumstances.
Outlook
A 2020 observational study suggests that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively positive outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates approaching 90%. The outlook is typically more hopeful when the gap between the two diseases is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to be diagnosed later, which can negatively impact survival.
When to consult a doctor
Speak with a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially considering a personal or family history of these diseases. 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 vital for improving outcomes.
Resources for Cancer Information
Dive deeper into evidence-based information and resources for cancer by visiting our dedicated hub.
FAQs
Q: Can people with ovarian cancer have an increased risk of other cancers?A: Yes. Along with breast cancer, people with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of bladder cancer, bile duct cancer, colorectal cancer, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
Q: Can breast cancer spread to the ovaries?A: Yes, but it's relatively uncommon. This mainly occurs in advanced breast cancer and may be more likely in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in people with BRCA mutations.
Q: Who are at high risk for ovarian cancer?A: Individuals with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, never having been pregnant, having a late first pregnancy, and being over 40 years old are more likely to develop ovarian cancer.
In a Nutshell
Breast and ovarian cancers share many genetic and lifestyle risk factors. Understanding these common risks can help identify individuals at higher risk and guide preventive measures and early detection strategies.
[1] - "Epidemiology of Breast Cancer: Factors Influencing Risk" - New England Journal of Medicine[2] - "Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors" - American Cancer Society[3] - "BRCA1 and BRCA2: Clinical Aspects of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility" - Nature Reviews Cancer[4] - "Genome-wide association study identifies eight susceptibility loci for breast cancer and implicates common variants in four of these loci in ovarian cancer" - Nature Genetics[5] - "Polygenic Risk Scores for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Unravel Complex Genetic Architecture" - Cell
- The connection between breast and ovarian cancers is largely due to shared genetic factors, with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes being the primary culprits.
- Survivors of breast cancer may face an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, particularly if their breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations.
- On the other hand, ovarian cancer survivors might also experience an increased risk of developing breast cancer due to genetic reasons.
- Other risk factors for both cancers include family history, older age, overweight or obesity, having a first child after age 30, never having children, not breastfeeding, hormone replacement therapy, and certain genetic variants.
- Preventative measures can be taken to manage these risks, such as frequent and comprehensive screenings, genetic testing, maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, and limiting alcohol intake.6.genetic mutations might need additional options like prophylactic surgeries, which involve removing organs or tissues to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
- People carrying genetic mutations should consult their doctors about contraception options, as oral contraceptives may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer while decreasing the risk of ovarian cancer.
- The outlook for people with both primary breast and ovarian cancers is relatively positive, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates approaching 90%.
- It's crucial to consult a doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially considering a personal or family history of these diseases.
- Individuals with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, and being over 40 years old are more likely to develop ovarian cancer.
- Breast and ovarian cancers share many genetic and lifestyle risk factors, emphasizing the importance of understanding common risks to guide preventive measures and early detection strategies, as well as supporting overall health and wellness through fitness and exercise, mental health, skin care, and proper nutrition, even in the context of aging and women's health, including menopause and Medicare concerns, and alternative treatments such as CBD for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
