Connection between breast and ovarian cancer: Identified links and potential risk factors
There's a solid connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, often due to genetic factors. This link is most potent for those carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
These two cancers share some underlying genetic risk factors. If you've got these risk factors, you might have an increased risk for both cancers. Other shared risk factors include advanced age, being overweight or obese, and never carrying a pregnancy to term. Fortunately, some of these factors can be influenced, like maintaining a moderate weight.
When it comes to the connection between breast and ovarian cancer, folks who've had breast cancer may have an elevated risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if the breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Research shows individuals with breast cancer are roughly twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer. Conversely, those with ovarian cancer may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer, although this risk varies with the time since their initial diagnosis.
While people cannot change the risk related to previous cancers, managing these risks is essential. Healthcare professionals may advise regular screenings, such as mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests. Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations is crucial for monitoring and prevention strategies. For those carrying these genetic mutations, doctors may consider prophylactic surgeries to remove organs or tissues and prevent cancer.
Modifiable risk factors, such as achieving and maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and reconsidering oral contraceptive use, can help reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
A 2020 observational study suggests that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively favorable outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%. The outlook is generally better when the interval between the two cancers is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to involve diagnosis at a later stage, which can negatively impact survival. The age during the first cancer diagnosis and the time between the two cancers are significant predictors of overall survival.
Individuals at high risk for ovarian cancer include those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, or never being pregnant. If you're worried that you might be at risk, speak with your healthcare provider.
In summary, there's a strong link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, primarily due to shared genetic mutations, especially in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for early detection and prevention strategies.
- The relationship between breast cancer and ovarian cancer is often due to genetic factors, with a focus on mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- People with these genetic risk factors might have an increased risk for both breast and ovarian cancers.
- Maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and reconsidering oral contraceptive use can help reduce the risk of these cancers.
- Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations is crucial for monitoring and prevention strategies.
- For those carrying these genetic mutations, doctors may consider prophylactic surgeries to remove organs or tissues and prevent cancer.
- Individuals at high risk for ovarian cancer include those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, or never being pregnant, indicating the need for regular check-ups and discussions with healthcare providers.
