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September 2005 - Boobie Report

The Word on Implants

By Sue Martori, board member

For several years, concern over a possible link between breast implants and cancer has discouraged some women from choosing implants as a method of breast reconstruction. Recent studies have thoroughly reviewed this complex issue. According to the American Cancer Society, “women with implants do not have any greater risk for immune system diseases (cancer) than women who have not had this surgery. Similarly, the concern that breast implants increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence or formation of new cancers is not supported by current evidence.”
Silicone breast implants can cause scar tissue to form in the breast. But several studies have found that this does not increase breast cancer risk. If you have breast implants, you might need a special x-ray picture during mammography called an "implant displacement view" which is used to more completely examine the breast tissue. For further information on this subject go to the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY website www.cancer.org