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Breast Implants & Cancer

What women should know Is there a connection between breast implants and breast cancer? By Dr. Angela ChampionPublished: September, 2008

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With the increasing popularity of breast augmentation, many women are wondering what role breast implants will play in relation to the risk of and screening for breast cancer. If you are thinking about getting breast implants or are one of the many women who have them, please read on. Am I at increased risk of developing breast cancer if I have breast implants? No. Scientific studies have documented that the incidence of breast cancer in women with breast implants is no higher than women without implants. Similarly, these studies show that women with breast implants who are diagnosed with breast cancer present with similar tumor size, lymph node status and overall stage of cancer when compared to women without breast implants. Likewise, the overall prognosis is similar between both groups of women. Should I have a mammogram before getting breast implants?  Possibly. Current guidelines by the American Cancer Society recommend a screening mammogram for women beginning at age 40, and even sooner if you are at high risk for developing breast cancer. However, it is generally recommended that older women have a mammogram 6 to 12 months following breast augmentation. This allows for a baseline examination of the new architecture of the breasts following surgery. Will breast implants affect my mammogram? Yes. Breast implants are radiopaque (visible on X-ray) and can pose difficulties with visualization of a portion of breast tissue on a mammogram. Women should inform their imager that they have implants, to allow unique images of the breast to be taken. This significantly improves breast tissue visualization following augmentation, which leads to better detection of early breast cancers. Can breast implants mask or delay the detection of early breast cancer? Possibly. Breast cancers are detected primarily by physical exam or imaging studies. Women can become acquainted with the changes to their breasts following augmentation and should perform self-breast exams. An annual exam by a physician will also increase the likelihood of detecting a cancer sooner. However, since the presence of an implant obscures a portion of the breast tissue on a mammogram, the detection of an early cancer by imaging can be delayed, especially in cases of severe capsular contracture (scar tissue surrounding the implant). MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the breast has been shown to be an effective technique in the detection of early-stage cancers. Although there are no large studies of MRI use in augmented patients, this test is being used more frequently. In summary, the presence of breast implants does not increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, nor does it change the incidence or course of existing breast cancer. For early detection, women and their physicians should always be vigilant for early signs of breast cancer. Angela Champion, M.D. is a Plastic Surgeon in Newport Beach specializing in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body. She also provides Botox, fillers and professional skin care. CONTACT US: 2121 San Joaquin Hills Road, Newport Beach 949.640.4005 achampionmd.com

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