Breast can.cer and ovarian can.cer are two of the most common can.cers affecting women. While they impact different organs, growing research shows that they can be biologically connected—especially through genetics. Understanding this link can help women take informed steps toward prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Shared Genetic Risk Factors
One of the most important connections between ovarian and breast can.cer is the presence of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes normally help repair damaged DNA and prevent tumor growth. However, mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 significantly increase a woman’s risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancers.
Women with a BRCA1 mutation have up to a 72% lifetime risk of breast ca.ncer and up to a 44% risk of ovarian cancer.
Those with a BRCA2 mutation face up to a 69% risk of breast can.cer and a 17% risk of ovarian cancer.
These mutations can be inherited from either parent and are passed down in families. That’s why a family history of either ca.ncer can raise your own risk—even if no one in your family has had both.
Family History Matters
If your mother, sister, grandmother, or aunt has had breast or ovarian can.cer (especially at a young age), your own risk may be higher. This is true even if they had only one type. In some cases, multiple generations may be affected without knowing the cause was genetic.
Women with a strong family history may consider genetic counseling and testing for BRCA mutations. Knowing your genetic status can help you and your doctor make personalized decisions about prevention and screening.
Other Common Risk Factors
Besides genetics, breast and ovarian cancers share several other risk factors, including:
- Age: Risk increases with age, especially after 50.
- Hormone therapy: Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause may increase the risk of both can.cers.
- Reproductive history: Women who started menstruating early or experienced late menopause have slightly higher risks.
- Never having children or having children later in life may also raise risk for ovarian ca.ncer.
How Knowing the Link Can Help
Understanding the link between breast and ovarian can.cer is important because it opens the door to preventive strategies:
- Increased screening: Women with BRCA mutations or high risk may need mammograms and breast MRIs at younger ages, as well as pelvic ultrasounds or blood tests to monitor ovarian health.
- Preventive surgery: Some women choose to reduce their can.cer risk by having preventive (prophylactic) surgeries, such as mastectomy (removal of breasts) or oophorectomy (removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes).
- Medications: In certain cases, doctors may recommend drugs like tamoxifen to lower breast can.cer risk in high-risk women.
Awareness Can Save Lives
Many women don’t realize that having breast can.cer can raise their risk of ovarian ca.ncer later—or vice versa. If you’ve been diagnosed with one, talk to your doctor about monitoring for the other. If you have a family history of either can.cer, genetic counseling may offer clarity and peace of mind.
Early detection is key to successful treatment. When caught early, both breast and ovarian canc.er have much better outcomes. But ovarian canc.er in particular is often detected late because symptoms are vague. That’s why knowing your personal and family risk is so important.
Conclusion
The link between breast and ovarian canc.er is real and significant—especially for women with BRCA gene mutations or a family history of these canc.ers. If you’re concerned about your risk, don’t wait. Speak with a healthcare professional, consider genetic testing, and explore your options. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it could be lifesaving.