Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Links and Risk Factors
Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Understanding the Link and Risk Factors
There is a well-established connection between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, with genetic factors playing a significant role. People who carry mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes, have an increased risk of developing both cancers.
Both breast and ovarian cancers share some underlying risk factors, including genetic predisposition, older age, obesity, and reproductive history. Carriers of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations may have up to 72% or 69% lifetime risk of breast cancer, respectively, and up to 44% or 17% risk of ovarian cancer, as per some studies [3][4][5].
Overall, a history of breast cancer may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer due to the underlying genetic factors and shared risk factors. The risk is particularly high for individuals with BRCA mutations, as their impaired DNA repair capacities contribute to increased cancer vulnerability. Conversely, a history of ovarian cancer also increases the risk of breast cancer, especially for those with known genetic risk factors [1][3].
Besides genetic factors, obesity and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are significant non-genetic risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancer. Obesity increases the breast cancer risk, especially in postmenopausal women, due to elevated estrogen levels, while HRT has been linked to an increased risk for both cancers [1].
Lifestyle factors such as low physical activity, smoking, and specific dietary habits can indirectly influence the cancer risk but are less directly linked to both cancers than the genetic factors. Regular exercise, moderate weight management, and limiting alcohol intake can help reduce the risks associated with breast and ovarian cancer [1].
Regular screenings and genetic testing are crucial for early detection and risk management for those at higher risk, particularly those with a personal history of breast or ovarian cancer, known genetic risk factors, or family histories of these diseases. Monitoring signs of recurrence or a second cancer is vital after a previous diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer.
A 2020 observational study suggests that individuals with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have relatively favorable 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%, though ovarian cancer following breast cancer tends to be diagnosed at later stages, which can negatively affect survival [2]. A person's age during their first cancer diagnosis, the time between the two cancers, and individual circumstances are essential factors when considering their outlook.
If someone requires information about their individual outlook or wants to discuss potential risk factors or screening options, they should consult their healthcare provider.
People at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer include those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, endometriosis, never having children, or having a late first pregnancy.
(Integrated Enrichment Data) The most significant shared genetic risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer are mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are inherited and significantly increase the risk of developing both cancers. Non-genetic risk factors such as obesity and hormone replacement therapy also contribute to the risk.
In conclusion, understanding the connection between breast and ovarian cancer is essential for managing and reducing the risk of both cancers. Appropriate screening, lifestyle changes, and genetic testing can help individuals better manage their risk and improve their overall outlook.
Sources:
[1] Cancer Research UK (2021). Cancer Risk – Causes.[2] Abeysinghe, N., et al. (2020). The natural history of synchronous and metachronous cancer. Annals of Oncology, 31(12), 1587-1600. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdaa525[3] National Cancer Institute (2021). Breast Cancer Risk and the Breast Cancer Gene (BRCA).[4] Ch BC, Feind E, Muggia WM. (2004). Ovarian Cancer Risk Reduction by Bilateral Oophorectomy: A Population-Based Study. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 22(7), 1472-1482. doi: 10.1200/jco.2003.06.357[5] National Institutes of Health (2021). BRCA1 and Breast Cancer.
- Carriers of mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes, have an elevated risk of both breast and ovarian cancers.
- Both breast and ovarian cancers share some underlying risk factors, such as genetic predisposition, older age, obesity, and reproductive history.
- Obesity and hormone replacement therapy are significant non-genetic risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancer.
- Regular exercise, moderate weight management, and limiting alcohol intake can help reduce the risks associated with breast and ovarian cancer.
- Consulting a healthcare provider about individual outlook or risk factors is important for those at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, including those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
- The most significant shared genetic risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer are mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are inherited and significantly increase the risk of developing both cancers.
