Breast cancer occurs when cells within the breast tissue begin to proliferate out of control, forming a tumor that can eventually prove fatal. Research into breast cancer has identified a number of causes and risk factors for the disease, as well as established links between breast cancer and other conditions. Due to this research, patients with a personal history or family history of breast cancer can be made aware of their risks of developing other conditions, and can monitor their health for the early detection of other disorders.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is associated with breast cancer, since inherited mutations that drive breast cancer growth also play a role in ovarian cancer. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer may contain mutations to the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2. Under normal conditions, these genes protect cells from developing cancer by halting cell growth following DNA damage, giving the cell a chance to repair itself rather than turn cancerous. Women carrying mutations to BRCA1 or 2 have a more than fourfold risk of developing breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Likewise, women carrying these mutations also have a vast increase in their risk of ovarian cancer, up to a 40 percent chance of developing the disease, compared to 1.5 percent risk in women without these mutations. Women with a family history of breast cancer may consider genetic testing to assess their risk for developing ovarian cancer in the future.
Colon Cancer
Breast cancer is also associated with colon cancer, with the development of breast cancer acting as a risk factor for the disease, according to Medline Plus. Although the reason for the link between breast and colon cancer has not yet been established, the link may stem from a genetic susceptibility to growth disorders like colon cancer. Women with a history of breast cancer may have inherited genetic mutations that facilitate abnormal cell growth, therefore promoting cancer development. Furthermore, both breast and colon cancers share some common risk factors: factors such as obesity can help cause colon cancer and breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Due to the association between breast and colon cancers, patients with a personal history of breast cancer may wish to undergo regular medical testing to monitor the health of their colon.
Lymphedema
Another condition associated with breast cancer is lymphedema, a condition in which lymph fluid accumulates in the arm and hand. Unlike ovarian and colon cancers, which may be associated with breast cancer due to common causes and risk factors, lympedema is associated with breast cancer treatment. Specifically, breast cancer surgery performed on the vast majority of breast cancer patients can disrupt the normal flow of lymph fluid into and out of the arm. Breast cancer surgeries typically remove lymph nodes around the breast, and removing these structures disrupts the lymphatic system. As a result, the body may not be able to move lymph fluid out of the arm on the affected side. Breast cancer patients who develop lymphedema typically suffer from an abnormal swelling of the arm, as well as pain and restricted arm movement. Lymphedema can be treated with exercises or arm bandaging to encourage lymph fluid circulation, according to the VCU Massey Cancer Center.
