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Ovarian cancer and breast cancer are among the most common cancers in women. Although they develop in different parts of the body, scientists agree that there may be a biological link between them, particularly genetic.
A clear link between these two types of cancer is the presence of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
According to the American Cancer Society, women diagnosed with breast cancer may have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
In fact, women with breast cancer are twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer at some point in their lives.
The link between ovarian cancer and breast cancer is well established.
Research suggests that women with a BRCA1 gene mutation have a lifetime risk of up to 72% of breast cancer and a lifetime risk of up to 44% of ovarian cancer.
In carriers of a BRCA2 mutation, the risk reaches 69% for breast cancer and 17% for ovarian cancer.
These genetic mutations can be passed down from either parent from generation to generation. Therefore, a family history of either type of cancer can increase your risk, even if no one in your family has had both types.
Women from families where most women have had one of these two types of cancer may consider screening for BRCA gene mutations.
The link between ovarian cancer and breast cancer.
Knowing your genetic profile can allow you to take a more targeted approach to cancer prevention and early detection, in collaboration with your healthcare provider.
Other common risk factors include older age, obesity, no previous pregnancy or never having been pregnant, and long-term hormone replacement therapy after menopause.
Some women attempt to reduce their risk through prophylactic surgical procedures, such as mastectomy (removal of the breast glands) or salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes).
In some high-risk patients, doctors may prescribe drugs such as tamoxifen to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
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