Breast and ovarian cancers, though different, are biologically connected—especially through BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. “Women diagnosed with breast cancer may have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer,” according to the American Cancer Society.

Studies show that those with breast cancer are **twice as likely** to develop ovarian cancer. Women carrying the **BRCA1 mutation** face up to a **72% lifetime risk** of breast cancer and **44%** for ovarian. For **BRCA2**, it’s up to **69% and 17%**, respectively.

These mutations can be inherited from **either parent**, so even if no one in your family had both cancers, a history of one can still raise your risk. “Understanding your genetic makeup” allows for personalized prevention and early detection.

Other shared risk factors include **age, obesity, hormone therapy after menopause**, and **never carrying a pregnancy to term**.

To lower their risk, some women undergo preventive surgeries like **mastectomy or oophorectomy**, or take medications like **tamoxifen**.

Testing for BRCA mutations is especially encouraged for women with strong family histories of either cancer.