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7 July 2026

Breast and ovarian cancer: the BRCA gene link explained

The source also highlights a point that is frequently missed: a diagnosis of one cancer directly increases the risk of developing the other. Women already treated for breast cancer should actively discuss ovarian monitoring with their care team, and vice versa.

For women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, the next concrete steps are clear: a conversation with a physician about risk assessment, and potentially a referral for genetic counseling and testing. As genetic testing becomes more accessible — and as health insurance coverage for high-risk screening expands — the window for early, preventive action is wider than it has ever been. The outstanding question for many women will be which preventive strategy best fits their individual risk profile, health status, and personal circumstances — a determination that requires up-to-date guidance from a specialist.

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