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.
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