Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, but a common concern among patients is whether breast implants increase the risk of developing breast cancer. While this is an understandable worry, scientific research has provided reassuring answers.
Breast Implants and Breast Cancer Risk
Extensive studies have been conducted to explore the relationship between breast implants—whether saline or silicone—and breast cancer. The results consistently show no increased risk of breast cancer due to breast implants.1 This means that having implants does not make you more likely to develop breast cancer compared to women without them.
Breast Implants and Breast Cancer Detection
One of the most important aspects of breast health is regular screening. Women with breast implants can still undergo mammograms effectively, although there are specific considerations to ensure accuracy:
- Implants Behind the Muscle: When implants are placed behind the chest muscle (submuscular placement), they typically do not interfere with breast tissue imaging during a mammogram. Some experts suggest that implants may help by pushing breast tissue closer to the surface, potentially improving the detection of abnormalities.
- Eklund's Displacement Technique: Radiologists and technicians use a special technique called Eklund's maneuver to shift the implant away from the breast tissue during imaging. This allows more precise visualization of the breast tissue, ensuring thorough screening.
It is important to inform your mammogram technician that you have implants so they can take the necessary steps to capture accurate images.
Do Breast Implants Impact Other Cancer Risks?
Another area of concern is whether breast implants contribute to other types of cancers. In recent years, there has been discussion about a rare form of lymphoma called BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma). This condition is extremely rare and typically associated with certain textured implants.3 When caught early, BIA-ALCL is treatable by removing the implant and the surrounding capsule. If you are considering breast augmentation, your surgeon will discuss the types of implants available and their associated risks to help you make an informed decision.
Maintaining Breast Health with Implants
Breast implants do not prevent you from following standard breast health practices, including:
- Regular self-breast exams.
- Annual clinical breast exams.
- Screening mammograms as recommended based on your age and risk factors.
If you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, report them to your doctor promptly.
Consult with an Experienced Breast Augmentation Specialist
If you're considering breast augmentation or have concerns about implants and breast health, it's essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in breast surgery. Dr. Farbod Esmailian, a renowned plastic surgeon in Orange County, CA, can address all your questions and help you feel confident in your decisions. Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about the safety, benefits, and other important considerations associated with breast augmentation.
1 Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Breast implants and cancer: causation, delayed detection, and survival. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11335807/. Accessed February 11, 2025.
2 Gov.UK. Addition of Eklund technique improves screening for women with breast implants. https://phescreening.blog.gov.uk/2017/04/12/addition-of-eklund-technique-improves-screening-for-women-with-breast-implants/. Accessed February 11, 2025.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety/breast-implant-safety/bia-alcl-summary. Accessed February 11, 2025.
