Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Findings and Risk Factors
In the realms of breast and ovarian cancer, there's a tangible, genetically-driven connection. The bond is prominent among individuals sporting mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Both cancers share a spectrum of underlying genetic hazard factors. These risk elements, such as carrying mutated BRCA genes, may boost the odds of both types of cancer.
Other shared perils include maturity, overweight or obesity, and never giving birth. Fortunately, adjustable factors like maintaining a healthy weight can be managed with diligence.
Do breast and ovarian cancer amplify each other's risk?
Studies show that individuals with a history of breast cancer might have an enhanced risk of developing ovarian cancer. This increased risk is more pronounced in cases where breast cancer is linked to BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations. It's the genetic background, not the illness itself, that catalyzes this higher risk.
People with ovarian cancer may face a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, but this risk fluctuates with time following the first diagnosis.
Reciprocally, people with ovarian cancer also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, often linked to genetic mutations.
Other risk factors for breast and ovarian cancers
Apart from BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, common risk factors for both types of cancer may include:
- a family history of either cancer
- ripe old age, with ovarian cancer typically hitting after the age of 40, and breast cancer common around age 55 or older
- overweight or obesity
- giving birth to a child later in life
- never giving birth
- skipping breastfeeding
- hormone therapy after menopause
Can people minimize the risk of breast and ovarian cancer?
Regrettably, immutable risk factors like a past history of breast or ovarian cancer are unalterable. However, close vigilance, lifestyle changes, and carefully selected medical measures can help manage these unchangeable risk factors.
Shared history of breast or ovarian cancer increases the risk of both, particularly if these cancers relate to genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2. This risk factor, however, is beyond a person's control. Healthcare professionals may advise those at risk to undergo frequent and thorough screenings to catch any new cancers early. This may include:
- regular mammograms
- breast MRI scans
- pelvic exams
- transvaginal ultrasounds
- CA-125 blood tests
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations offer the best techniques for monitoring and prevention. For people carrying genetic mutations, doctors may consider prophylactic surgeries. These surgeries remove organs or tissues to prevent the onset or spread of cancer.
Varying risk factors
Modifiable risk factors include:
- Weight: Maintaining a moderate weight can lessen the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers. Overweight may cause higher estrogen levels, boosting the risk of breast cancer.
- Exercise: Regular activity lowers the risk of breast cancer. Limited evidence also suggests a link with ovarian cancer. Workouts can aid in achieving and preserving a moderate weight and may have direct anti-cancer effects.
- Alcohol: Moderating alcohol intake diminishes the risk of breast cancer. The risk boosts with the amount consumed, prompting medical professionals to recommend sobering up.
- Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives might reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. However, they may incrementally increase the risk of breast cancer. People can discuss contraception options with a doctor to weigh the risks based on personal circumstances.
Outlook
In a 2020 study, individuals with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer exhibited comparatively favorable outlooks, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates hovering around 90%. The outlook tends to be more optimistic when the gap between the two diagnoses is wider, but ovarian cancer after breast cancer tends to surface at a later stage, which can dampen survival.
The age at first cancer diagnosis and the time between the two diagnoses are powerful prognostic indicators. In short, vigilance and proactive health management are key.
When to consult a doctor
Individuals should speak to a doctor if any symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer arise, especially in light of a personal or family history of these diseases. Keeping a sharp eye out for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a prior diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer is crucial, as early detection and swift treatment can improve outcomes.
Cancer resources
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Frequently asked questions
Individuals with ovarian cancer may also face an increased risk of bladder, bile duct, colorectal, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye cancers.
Breast cancer can metastasize (spread) to the ovaries, though it's relatively uncommon. This may occur more frequently in breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or in those with BRCA mutations.
High-risk ovarian cancer profiles include individuals with:
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Lynch syndrome
- endometriosis
- never given birth
- given birth late in life
- aged 40 or older.
Recap
A potent link connects breast cancer and ovarian cancer, with genetic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes forming the significant foundation. People with these mutations have a substantially heightened risk of both cancers.
Additionally, a family history of either cancer increases the risk of developing the other. This shared genetic link emphasizes the significance of genetic testing, regular screenings, and preventive measures for those at higher risk.
Individuals with a history of breast or ovarian cancer can collaborate with their healthcare team to stay vigilant against further cancers.
- The link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer is significantly influenced by genetic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- Studies reveal that individuals with a history of breast cancer might face an enhanced risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially when these cancers are linked to BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations.
- Conversely, people diagnosed with ovarian cancer also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, often due to genetic mutations.
- In addition to BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of either cancer, advanced age, overweight or obesity, never giving birth, and hormone therapy after menopause may serve as common risk factors for both types of cancer.
- Maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, and moderating alcohol intake can help reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers.
- Doctors may advise individuals with a family history or mutated BRCA genes to undergo frequent and thorough screenings like mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests.
- Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations can serve as the best techniques for monitoring and prevention, potentially leading to prophylactic surgeries.
- In the 2020 study, individuals with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer demonstrated comparatively favorable overall survival rates.
- Individuals should consult a doctor if experiencing symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer, particularly considering a personal or family history of these diseases.
- People with high-risk ovarian cancer profiles, such as those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, and aged 40 or older, are more prone to developing bladder, bile duct, colorectal, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye cancers.
