Connection between breast and ovarian cancer: Identified links and potential risk factors
Breast and ovarian cancer share a significant genetic connection, particularly for individuals with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genetic mutations increase the risk of both cancers, emphasizing the importance of genetic testing for high-risk individuals.
Both cancers also share other risk factors such as age, overweight or obesity, and never carrying a pregnancy to term. People may be able to influence some of these risk factors, such as achieving and maintaining a moderate weight.
Individuals who have had breast cancer may have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if the breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Similarly, those with ovarian cancer may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer. The link between the two cancers is primarily due to underlying genetic factors rather than the disease itself.
Research suggests that people with breast cancer are roughly twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer. The risk varies for those with ovarian cancer developing breast cancer, with the risk increasing over time since their first cancer diagnosis.
Other shared risk factors for both cancers include a family history of either cancer, older age, and reproductive factors such as having a first child after age 30, never having children, and not breastfeeding.
Managing risk factors for both cancers may involve careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures. Regular screenings, such as mammograms, breast MRI scans, pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests, can help in early detection.
Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other relevant mutations is considered the best strategy for monitoring and prevention. For those carrying genetic mutations, doctors may consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries.
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 more positive when the interval between the two diseases is longer. However, ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to involve diagnosis at a later stage, which can negatively affect survival.
People should speak with their doctor if signs or symptoms of breast or ovarian cancer appear, especially with a personal or family history of these diseases. Staying vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer after a previous diagnosis is crucial for early detection and improved outcomes.
Sources:[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2835223/[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK215287/[3] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html[4] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
- Breast cancer and ovarian cancer share a genetic connection, particularly when there are mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which can increase the risk for both cancers.
- People who have had breast cancer are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, and this risk is especially high if the breast cancer is linked to BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
- The link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer is primarily due to underlying genetic factors rather than the disease itself, and research suggests that people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively favorable outlook.
- Another shared risk factor for both cancers is a family history of either breast or ovarian cancer, as well as reproductive factors such as having a first child after age 30, never having children, and not breastfeeding.
- Managing risk factors for both cancers may involve regular screenings, such as mammograms, pelvic exams, and CA-125 blood tests, along with careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
- For those carrying genetic mutations, genetic testing is considered the best strategy for monitoring and prevention, as doctors may consider additional options such as prophylactic surgeries.
