Connection between Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identified Links and Risk Factors
Here's a fresh take on the topic:
Fact: breast and ovarian cancers are closely linked, primarily due to genetic factors. It's like two peas in a pod, with a shared genetic deck stacked against you, especially if you carry mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty.
Both Cancers: A Genetic Tango
These malignant dancers have some underlying genetic risk factors in common. People with these risk factors might have an increased chance of catching both cancers. One might say they're both on the dance card for cancer.
Luckily, some of these risk factors can be influenced, such as maintaining a moderate weight and keeping alcohol consumption in check.
The Breast-Ovarian Cancer Shuffle
It's quite possible for those who've danced the breast cancer waltz to find themselves tangoing with ovarian cancer later on. This risk is particularly high if breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. But consider this: the increased risk isn't from the dance itself, but the underlying genetic factors that make them natural partners in the dance of disease.
Now, those tangoing ovarian cancer might also have an increased chance at picking up breast cancer. This could be due to genetic mutations, too.
Other Dancing Partners
Apart from the BRCA1 and BRCA2 ballroom, other risk factors for both cancers include a family history of either cancer, older age, overweight or obesity, never carrying a pregnancy to term, and other genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome.
Changing the Dance Steps
Certain dance steps can't be changed, like having had breast or ovarian cancer previously. However, these unalterable steps require careful attention, lifestyle tweaks, and, in some cases, preventive medical procedures.
Reducing the Risk
Since some risk factors, like genetics, can't be changed, focus on the dance moves you can swing—such as maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, and limiting alcohol intake.
Prognosis
A 2020 study suggests that those battling both primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer enjoy relatively rosy prospects, with a 5-year and 10-year overall survival rate of around 90%. Better prognoses are typically seen when the interval between the dances is longer.
When to Seek a Dance Partner
Keep a watchful eye for signs and symptoms of either cancer, particularly in the context of a personal or family history of these dancers. And if you feel like you're about to take the stage with either cancer, chat with a healthcare professional to ensure timely intervention.
Dance Resources
Feeling like you need a dance partner? Explore our dedicated hub for more evidence-based information and resources on cancer.
- Breast cancer and ovarian cancer share genetic links, particularly in the presence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations.
- People with certain risk factors, like a family history of either cancer, older age, overweight or obesity, never carrying a pregnancy to term, or other genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome, have an increased chance of both cancers.
- If someone has already danced the breast cancer waltz, they might find themselves tangoing with ovarian cancer later, considering the underlying genetic factors.
- Conversely, those who are tangoing with ovarian cancer might also have an increased risk of breast cancer due to similar genetic mutations.
- To reduce the risk, focus on lifestyle changes such as maintaining a moderate weight, regular exercise, and limiting alcohol intake, as some risk factors, like genetics, can't be changed.
- A 2020 study indicates that patients with primary breast cancer and primary ovarian cancer have relatively optimistic prognoses, with a 5-year and 10-year overall survival rate of around 90%, and better results are often seen when the interval between the cancers is longer.
