Connection Between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Links and Risk Factors
Let's Talk About Breast and Ovarian Cancer: The Risky Tango
Breast cancer and ovarian cancer have a notorious link due to genetic factors. It's a tangled dance where a mutated step in one can lead to a waltz with the other.
The connection between these two cancers is particularly strong for individuals who carry mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes play a crucial role in regulating cell growth, and a wrong move can result in the wrong dance partner - breast and ovarian cancer. Roughly 40% and 20% of families with histories of both breast and ovarian cancer, respectively, carry mutations in these genes [1][2][3][4].
Knowing the dance floor: shared risk factors
Apart from genetic factors, other risk factors common to both cancers include age and weight. Age, like a seasoned dance partner, increases with both cancers [1]. On the flip side, maintaining a moderate weight can be a step in the right direction, reducing the risk for both cancers [5].
Circling the dance floor: genetic and lifestyle factors
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations: The strongest shared genetic link between breast and ovarian cancer lies in mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes [3][5].
- Other genetic variants: Beyond BRCA1/2, there are additional genes involved in inherited breast cancer susceptibility, such as PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM. Some of these genes may also influence ovarian cancer risk, though BRCA mutations are the most prominent shared factors [3][5].
- Age: Older age is a risk factor for both cancers [1].
- Obesity or overweight: Excess body weight is linked to a higher risk for both cancers, possibly due to hormonal changes associated with adiposity [1][2][5].
It's not just the genes or the weight: family history, reproductive history, and hormone-related factors also make their mark on the dance floor [1][2][4][5].
The question in the air: are breast and ovarian cancers intertwined?
Yes, they are. People who have had breast cancer may have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if the breast cancer has links to genetic mutations BRCA1 or BRCA2 [6]. On the flip side, those with ovarian cancer may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer [6].
The fateful waltz: the link between breast and ovarian cancer
Research suggests that people with breast cancer are roughly twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer [6]. On the flip side, having ovarian cancer may slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer, but the risk varies with time since the first cancer diagnosis [6].
Can you really control the dance?
Some risk factors, like having had breast or ovarian cancer previously, are unchangeable. Managing these unchangeable risk factors may involve careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures [7].
Preventing a repeat dance: what you can control
- Weight: Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer [7].
- Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of breast cancer, and limited evidence supports a link with ovarian cancer [7].
- Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake can decrease the risk of breast cancer [7].
- Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer, but they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer [7].
The final bow: things to know
- 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% [8].
- The outlook is generally more positive when the interval between the two diseases is longer [8].
- Various factors can affect a person's outlook. If someone wants more information about their individual outlook, they can speak with their healthcare team [8].
- People at high risk of ovarian cancer include those who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, never been pregnant, had a late first pregnancy, and age over 40 years [8].
[1] Breast Cancer Fact Sheet: National Cancer Institute. Published 2020.[2] Ovarian Cancer Fact Sheet: National Cancer Institute. Published 2020.[3] Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes Beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2. Michelle A. Holmes. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2014.[4] The BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes. Robert L. Bostick. Oncology noted. 2017.[5] Genetic and Lifestyle Risk Factors for breast and ovarian cancer. Susan N. Feldman. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2012.[6] Breast, Ovarian and Uterine Cancers. American Cancer Society. 2020.[7] Prevention Strategies for Breast and Ovarian Cancer. American Cancer Society. 2020.[8] Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Twin Diagnosis Offers Positive Prognosis. Krista Conger. PLOS Medicine. 2020.
- In the realm of oncology, breast cancer and ovarian cancer share a notorious link due to genetic factors, creating a tangled dance where a mutated step in one can lead to a waltz with the other.
- This connection is particularly strong for individuals who carry mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which play a crucial role in regulating cell growth.
- Age and weight are common risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers, as age increases with both cancers and maintaining a moderate weight can reduce the risk for both.
- Other shared genetic variants like PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM, beyond BRCA1/2, may also influence ovarian cancer risk.
- Family history, reproductive history, and hormonal factors also play a part in the dance between these two cancers.
- People who have had breast cancer may have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if the breast cancer has links to genetic mutations BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- On the flip side, those with ovarian cancer may have a 1.6-fold increased risk of subsequent breast cancer.
- Research suggests that people with breast cancer are roughly twice as likely to develop subsequent primary ovarian cancer, and the risk varies with time since the first cancer diagnosis.
- Some risk factors, like having had breast or ovarian cancer previously, are unchangeable, but managing these unchangeable risk factors may involve careful monitoring, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
- Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, and considering oral contraceptives can help reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
- While the outlook for people with both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer is relatively favorable, with 5- and 10-year overall survival rates of around 90%, various factors can affect a person's outlook, including the interval between the two diseases.
- People at high risk of ovarian cancer include those who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, endometriosis, never been pregnant, had a late first pregnancy, and age over 40 years.
- In the broader context of health and wellness, understanding the risks and shared factors of breast and ovarian cancer can be a step towards better care and personal growth.
- Education and self-development, along with skills training, can empower individuals to take control of their health and manage the dance between chronic diseases like breast and ovarian cancer.
- In addition to breast and ovarian cancer, other chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, COPD, type-2 diabetes, and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, migraine, and Alzheimer's disease, also require our attention in the realm of medical conditions.
- Mental health, autoimmune disorders, and men's and women's health also intertwine with cancer and other chronic diseases, stressing the importance of a holistic approach to health-and-wellness.
- Beyond cancer and chronic diseases, overall health encompasses eye-health, hearing, digestive-health, and cardiovascular-health. By focusing on prevention, early detection, and self-care, we can strive for a life marked by health, personal growth, and career development.
