Connection Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Links and Risk Factors
Article Rewrite
Busting the Link Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer - What You Need to Know
Breast and ovarian cancer share a close relationship, mostly due to genetic factors. Especially for those carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, the link between these two cancers becomes unbreakable.
Sharing more than just a headline, both cancers possess some analogous risk factors. People with these risk factors could have an elevated risk of both cancers.
The Connection Unveiled
For individuals already battling breast cancer, they might face an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, particularly if their breast cancer is linked to genetics. However, this increased risk stems from the underlying DNA factors rather than the disease itself.
Studies indicate that people with breast cancer are about twice as likely to develop subsequent ovarian cancer. On the flip side, those with ovarian cancer may experience a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, but the risk fluctuates with the time since their first cancer diagnosis.
Similarly, ovarian cancer patients can also be at risk of developing breast cancer due to some genetic mutations.
Additional Risk Factors to be Aware Of
While mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most substantial shared risk factors, other factors may influence the growth of both breast and ovarian cancers. These may include:
- a family history of either cancer
- older age, with ovarian cancer typically occurring in people over 40 years and breast cancer in those ages 55 years or older
- overweight or obesity
- having a first child over 30
- never having children
- not breastfeeding
- hormone therapy after menopause
Taking Control - Reducing the Risk
Certain risk factors, such as having had breast or ovarian cancer earlier, are beyond our control. To manage these unchangeable odds, careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some instances, preventive medical procedures might be recommended.
For individuals with a history of breast or ovarian cancer, doctors may suggest more frequent and thorough screenings to catch any new cancers as early as possible. This may involve:
- regular mammograms
- breast MRI scans
- pelvic exams
- transvaginal ultrasounds
- CA-125 blood tests
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations might be the best strategies for monitoring and prevention. For those carrying these genetic mutations, medical professionals might consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries to prevent the occurrence or spread of cancer.
The Modifiable Risk Factors
Changeable risk factors include:
- Weight: Maintaining a moderate weight can help reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity can cause higher estrogen levels, increasing the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can decrease the risk of breast cancer. Limited evidence also supports a link between exercise and ovarian cancer prevention. Exercise can help maintain a moderate weight and may have direct anticancer effects.
- Alcohol: Lowering alcohol intake can lessen the risk of breast cancer. The risk grows with the amount of alcohol consumption, so healthcare professionals might recommend limiting intake.
- Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer, but they might slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. People can discuss contraception options with a doctor to weigh the pros and cons based on their circumstances.
The Outlook - A Silver Lining
A 2020 observational study indicates that individuals diagnosed with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively optimistic outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates around 90%. The prognosis is generally better when the time between the two diseases is longer. Ovarian cancer following breast cancer often involves diagnosis at a later stage, which can affect survival.
Various factors can influence a person's outlook. If someone wants more information about their individual outlook, they can speak with their healthcare team.
When to Consult a Doctor
It's crucial to consult a doctor if symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially for those with a personal or family history of these diseases. Be vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to improving outcomes.
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FAQs
People with ovarian cancer may have an increased risk of several cancers, apart from breast cancer:
- bladder cancer
- bile duct cancer
- colorectal cancer
- acute leukemia
- melanoma of the eye
Breast cancer can spread to the ovaries, although it happens relatively rarely. It is more prevalent in advanced breast cancer and is more likely in hormone-receptor positive breast cancers and people with BRCA mutations.
Those at high risk of ovarian cancer include those who have:
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Lynch syndrome
- endometriosis
- never been pregnant
- had a late first pregnancy
- age over 40 years
Conclusion
The intricate bond between breast and ovarian cancer primarily arises due to shared genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. People with these mutations have a significantly higher chance of developing both cancers.
Beyond genetics, various additional risk factors impact the development of both breast and ovarian cancers. Understanding these risk factors can empower individuals to make informed decisions about monitoring and preventive measures.
For those diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, staying vigilant for signs of a new cancer is crucial. Working closely with a healthcare team can help individuals manage their risk and improve outcomes.
References:
[1] American Cancer Society. (2020). Ovarian cancer risk factors. Accessed March 3, 2023, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html[2] The American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2021). Breast Cancer: Known Risk Factors. Accessed March 3, 2023, from https://www.cancer.net/content/dam/cancer-net/brca/Brief-PDFs/Breast-Cancer-Known-Risk-Factors.pdf[3] National Cancer Institute. (2022). Ovarian cancer risk factors. Accessed March 3, 2023, from https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian/patient/ovarian-risk-factors-pdq[4] Breast Cancer Now. (2021). Family history of breast cancer. Accessed March 3, 2023, from https://www.breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/risk-factors-and-genetics/understanding-genetics/family-history-and-heredity
- People with genetic mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer, face an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
- Studies suggest that individuals with breast cancer are approximately twice as likely to develop subsequent ovarian cancer, whereas those with ovarian cancer may experience a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer.
- Apart from genetics, other modifiable risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancer include obesity, having a family history of either cancer, having a first child over 30, never having children, not breastfeeding, hormone therapy after menopause, and maintaining a moderate weight.
- For those with a history of breast or ovarian cancer, healthcare professionals may recommend more frequent and thorough screenings, such as mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests.
- In addition to shared genetic mutations, individuals diagnosed with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively optimistic outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates around 90%.
- Besides breast cancer, people with ovarian cancer may also have an increased risk of developing other cancers, such as bladder cancer, bile duct cancer, colorectal cancer, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye.
