Current insights into breast and ovarian cancer risk: a contemporary review

Breast and ovarian cancer account for millions of new cancer diagnoses worldwide annually. An individual's risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer is the result of a complex interplay between non-modifiable and modifiable factors. This review provides a comprehensive map of the current state of our understanding of breast and ovarian cancer risk as conducted through a literature review utilizing PubMed and Cochrane review as primary databases and the selection process prioritized year of publication for up-to-date research and journal impact factor as criteria of research credibility. We review non-modifiable risk factors, such as genetic variations, age, sex assigned at birth, and reproductive history as well as how advances in genetic mapping have led to increased insight in pathogenic germline variants. Additionally, we discuss modifiable factors such as lifestyle and environmental exposures which allow the opportunity for intervention to reduce risk. Contemporary high risk screening tools, including understanding their strengths and weaknesses, are discussed and how they can lend to the determination of eligibility for preventive measures, including risk-reducing operations. The unique challenges of under-represented groups, such as non-Hispanic Black women, transgender/nonbinary/and gender-diverse individuals, and Asian and Pacific Islander populations are reviewed in the context of breast and ovarian cancer risk. Future research on improving risk assessment tools and identifying genomic variants will yield improved personalized healthcare solutions.