Can Breast Implants Cause Cancer?

Some women may consider getting breast implants at some point. It is important to weigh all of the pros and cons before making the decision to have this form of plastic surgery done. One of the things that you may be wondering about is whether or not breast implants increase the risk of breast cancer.

No Link Between Breast Implants and Cancer

Previously, it was thought that getting breast implants increased your risk of cancer. This theory was likely due to the fact that silicone breast implants cause scar tissue to form in the breasts. Studies have shown that there is no link between implants and breast cancer, however.

Making the decision to get breast implants will not cause your risk of breast cancer to be any higher than it already was without them. The instances of breast cancer among a general population of women appear to be the same as among a population of women who have implants.

Getting Breast Implants After a Mastectomy

Some women make the decision to get breast implants as a reconstructive option after a mastectomy. If you have previously had breast cancer and make the decision to get breast implants for this reason, you may be wondering if you run the risk of getting cancer again due to breast implants. According to the National Cancer Institute, one small study showed no correlation between implants and a second diagnosis of breast cancer.

Early Breast Cancer Diagnoses and Breast Implants

While breast implants do not raise the risk of cancer, it is thought that they can make it more challenging to detect. However, this is a very controversial theory. According to the American Cancer Society, women who have breast implants may need to have special x-ray pictures done during mammograms to increase the chances of diagnosing cancer. On the other hand, the National Cancer Institute claims that there is no link between differences at cancer stage at diagnosis and survival rate among those who have breast implants and those who don't.

While breast implants have not been linked to breast cancer, this does not necessarily mean that they are the right option for you. According to the National Cancer Institute, breast implants have been linked to connective tissue disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and systematic lupus erythematosus. Some women may also find breast implants too painful or expensive to realistically go through with this form of plastic surgery. Also keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with having a small chest!

Sources:

American Cancer Society, "What causes breast cancer?"

National Cancer Institute, "Breast Implant Study: Fact Sheet."