Connection Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Commonalities and Risk Factors
Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer: Shared Genetic and Lifestyle Factors
Breast cancer and ovarian cancer share several underlying genetic factors, increasing the risk of both cancers for those affected. The connection is particularly strong for individuals carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Research indicates that having a history of breast cancer may elevate the risk of developing ovarian cancer, with those who have had breast cancer being roughly twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer. The risk of ovarian cancer following a breast cancer diagnosis is also increased, though this risk varies over time.
Other common risk factors for both cancers include:
- Family history of either cancer
- Aging, as ovarian cancer most commonly occurs in individuals over 40 years, and breast cancer in those ages 55 and older
- Overweight or obesity
- Having a first child later in life
- Never having children
- Not breastfeeding
- Hormone therapy after menopause
Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most significant shared risk factors, with a high percentage of families with both ovarian and breast cancer found to have these mutations.
Those carrying genetic mutations may have additional options for managing their risk, such as prophylactic surgeries to remove organs or tissues at risk for cancer.
Regarding modifiable risk factors, achieving and maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, and oral contraceptives can potentially lower the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
A 2020 observational study suggests that individuals diagnosed with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have a relatively favorable outlook, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates around 90%. Diagnosis at a later stage may negatively impact survival.
Those with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer are advised to stay vigilant for signs of recurrence or a second cancer and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms arise.
People with ovarian cancer may also be at an increased risk of developing bladder cancer, bile duct cancer, colorectal cancer, acute leukemia, and melanoma of the eye. Breast cancer, though less commonly, can spread to the ovaries, especially in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers or those with BRCA mutations.
Individuals at high risk of ovarian cancer include those 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, or being older than 40 years.
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- Notable genetic factors that increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, which are significant shared risk factors.
- Having a history of breast cancer may increase the risk of developing subsequent primary ovarian cancer, with individuals being approximately twice as likely to develop the latter after a breast cancer diagnosis.
- Both breast cancer and ovarian cancer share other common risk factors such as a family history of either cancer, aging, overweight or obesity, having a first child later in life, never having children, not breastfeeding, and hormone therapy after menopause.
- Modifiable risk factors like achieving and maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, and oral contraceptives can potentially lower the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
- Pursuing prophylactic surgeries to remove at-risk organs or tissues may provide additional options for managing risk for those carrying genetic mutations.
- Individuals diagnosed with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer often exhibit relatively favorable overall survival rates, around 90% for 5 and 10 years, although diagnosis at a later stage may negatively impact survival.
