Cancer is often described as one of the cruellest diseases of our era. Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. In 2020, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally making it the most common and prevalent type of cancer worldwide. Statistics reports ovarian cancer to be the seventh most common cancer to occur in women around the globe.
It is found that the occurrence of breast cancer in a person has been followed by the occurrence of ovarian cancer later in time, and vice versa. There have been similarities found in the occurrence of breast and ovarian cancer for no predefined reasons. On the other hand, data has found that common genetic mutations can cause either of these cancers.
Understanding the link between Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Some factors that can explain why there is a risk of ovarian cancer in breast cancer patients, or the other way, are as follows.
Genetics and Risks
Every human has BRAC 1 and BRCA 2 genes – abbreviated for BReast CAncer gene, which are tumour suppressor genes present naturally in the body and protect the cells from becoming cancerous. Normally, these are associated with cell growth and cell division inside our bodies. Individuals who have faulty or mutated BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are more prone to developing breast and/or ovarian cancer.
About 5-10% of breast cancers are attributed to genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. One in 400 women have the BRCA mutation, making their chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer much greater. However, the reason for vast majority of individuals who develop breast cancer and ovarian cancer is not entirely related to BRCA 1 and BRCA gene mutations.
The cancer that has started in the ovaries can spread across the body; one of the organs where such cancerous cells spread – are the breasts. Doctors are not entirely sure as to what causes it. If you have a family history or personal history with breast cancer or ovarian cancer (or both), this can increase your risk of developing these cancers.
Personal history of cancer
If you have already developed breast cancer, chances are that you might develop ovarian cancer later in life. This is because the risk factors that impact breast cancer and ovarian cancer are similar. In general, the risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer are influenced by factors such as age, genetics, lifestyle, and environment factors.
Family history of cancer
If a family member or relative has a history with breast or ovarian cancer, your chances of developing one of these cancers are on the higher side. Knowing your family’s cancer history will reveal its genetic tendency. You might want to check if:
- Someone in your family has had breast cancer or ovarian cancer
- Someone in your family has had both the cancers
- More than one generation/ same side of the family has had these cancers
In case of learning that more than one generation has had breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer, it is advised to take genetic screening tests. This test reveals if the mutated genes have been passed onto you or not. If the mutated genes have been passed to you, it is known as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome.
The chances that your family has HBOC syndrome is revealed in one or more of these situations:
- Apart from the fact that someone in your family had pre-existing cancer histories, the age when they were diagnosed was at 45 years or younger
- Someone in your family has had cancer for the second time in the same breast or cancer develops in both breasts, and had ovarian cancers
- A male relative is diagnosed with breast cancer
- Identifying a single side of the family with cancer histories
In case the family history of breast or ovarian cancer is confirmed, it is highly recommended to seek genetic consultation. This is helpful to understand about what this history means to you and what percentage of risks are in your case. Thus, helping you evaluate the best options for testing your family.
Screening and Management of the risks
If you are tested with positive for a genetic mutation, to know your chances of developing breast cancer, it is recommended to get a breast MRI and mammogram BASED ON THE ADVICE OF YOUR DOCTOR. Statistics say that it is good to get breast MRI every year if you are of age 25 or above to keep in check with your breast health. Depending on the scan results, your doctor will help you weigh treatment options and decide about mastectomy (removal of breasts completely/partially).
With respect to ovarian cancer, the tests that help early detection are the transvaginal sonography (TVS), serum markers and a combination of the two modalities. Women with mutation have been recommended to get their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed by the age of 40 or once they have had children. This removal decision not only eliminates ovarian cancer risk but also reduces the chances of overlapping with breast cancer in the future.
Lifestyle changes
Your doctors or nurse can help you change any lifestyle choices that influence these cancers and help you adapt to healthy living with better habits, diet and exercise. Being over-weight or obese can be risk-inducing. Thus, it is suggested to maintain a healthy weight as per your BMI, with regular exercises and a healthy diet.
Breast and ovarian cancers are associated with one another. Screening tests can mitigate the risks, by detecting the cancer early. This allows you to take precautionary measures and improve your overall prognosis.
References:
- Does Breast or Ovarian Cancer Run in Your Family? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/breast_ovarian_cancer/breast_cancer.htm
- Inherited breast and ovarian cancer. Macmillan Cancer Support. https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors/inherited-breast-and-ovarian-cancer
- Family History and the Risk for Breast or Ovarian Cancer. University of Michigan Health. Michigan Medicine. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/zx3064
- Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer. Cancer. Net https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/hereditary-breast-and-ovarian-cancer
- Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Is There a Connection? Houston Methodist Leading Medicine. https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2019/oct/breast-and-ovarian-cancer-is-there-a-connection/
- BRCA1- and BRCA2-Associated Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1247/
- Does Breast Cancer Make Ovarian Cancer More Likely? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/ovarian-cancer/guide/breast-cancer-link-ovarian-cancer
- Ovarian Cancer – Risks and causes. Cancer Research UK. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer/risks-causes
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