Breast and ovarian cancer: the truth behind the connection and the message of prevention
Breast cancer and ovarian cancer are common malignant tumours in women, and there is a worrying correlation between them, which puts some breast cancer patients at higher risk of ovarian cancer. In-depth exploration of the mechanisms behind this linkage is of great importance for women ‘ s health management and cancer prevention.
This correlation is, to a large extent, closely related to genetic factors. Among them, the mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are key players. Normally, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for repairing damaged DNA and maintaining the stability of the cell genome. However, when these genes mutate, their repair function is impaired, making it easier for cells to accumulate genetic mutations, which in turn increases significantly the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Studies have shown that women who carry BRCA1 gene mutations have a lifetime risk of up to 60 – 80 per cent breast cancer and about 40 – 60 per cent ovarian cancer, while women who carry BRCA2 gene mutations have a risk of about 40 – 70 per cent breast cancer and 20 – 30 per cent ovarian cancer.
In addition to genetic factors, breast cancer treatment can also have an impact on the incidence of ovarian cancer. For example, some breast cancer patients receive chemotherapy during treatment. Some ovarians, especially alkyl, may cause damage to ovarian functions, leading to early ovarian decay or a decline in ovarian reserve functions. When ovarian functions are impaired, hormonal levels change in the body, estrogens are reduced, and feedback leads to increased levels of gland hormones, a state of hormonal imbalance that can lead to abnormal growth and cancer of ovarian skin cells, increasing the incidence of ovarian cancer.
In addition, breast and ovarian cancers have common access and molecular targets in their morbidity mechanisms. estrogen signaling, for example, plays an important role in the development of both. Estrogen promotes cell proliferation in mammary and ovarian tissues, and long-term estrogen irritation may cause cell proliferation to go out of control, leading to cancer. At the same time, there are abnormal expressions or dysfunctions in breast and ovarian cancers, such as cytological cycling factors, signal transfer molecules, which suggest that there may be a common basis for morbidity.
Given the strong link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer, more active preventive measures should be taken against high-risk groups of women with family history of breast cancer or with a genetic mutation of the BRCA. Increased screening for breast and ovarian cancer is essential. Periodic mammograms, mammograms and ovary ultrasounds, oncological markers (e.g. CA – 125) help to detect potential pathologies at an early stage and to improve cure rates. Preventive ovarian removal is an option for women who carry BRCA genetic mutations and complete their reproductive tasks. Studies have shown that preventive ovarian removal can significantly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and have some benefits for breast cancer prevention. Moreover, lifestyle adjustments cannot be ignored. Maintaining healthy eating habits, increasing the intake of foods rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, reducing the ingestion of high fats and sugary foods, maintaining adequate physical exercise and maintaining normal weights, and avoiding long-term exposure to estrogens or environmental pollutants all contribute to reducing the risk of cancer.
The link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer is a wake-up call for women ‘ s health. Knowledge of the mechanisms inherent in this connection helps at-risk groups of women to be vigilant and to take effective preventive measures, from genetic testing to screening to lifestyle adjustments, to minimize the risk of cancer and protect their health.
ovarian cancer, breast cancer.