Breast Cancer And Implants: The Myths And The Facts
There is a lot of debate and questions surrounding the use and risks of breast implants, especially silicone breast implants. Topics of debate range from diseases caused by ruptures and leakage, complications during pregnancy, breast cancer and implants and the general safety of breast implants. We will cover some of the topics and address the risks involved regarding breast implants.
One of the strongest myths surrounding the silicone implant is the risk of cancer caused from ruptures and leaks in the implants. Extensive clinical studies, overseen by the FDA, have been implemented to assess the risks associated with breast cancer and implants. In 2006, the FDA approved the mainstream use of silicone breast implants because insufficient data exists to link breast cancer and implants as a serious risk.
Between the years of 1992 and 2006, silicone breast implants were taken off of the mainstream market in the United States. During this period, women meeting specific criteria could get silicone breast implants if they participated in clinical studies. These studies also showed that silicone implants did not cause connective tissue diseases, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. However, these diseases could be more probably for women with silicone implants. Studies continue to determine the effects of silicone breast implants over longer periods of time.
During the period of time when silicone implants were being studied extensively, many of the women eligible to receive the implants were breast cancer survivors. For many cancer survivors, breast cancer and implants go hand in hand. Breast reconstruction can help women who have had breasts removed due to cancer or who have breast defects regain a sense of confidence in their appearance. It was for this reason that the FDA approved silicone implants for these women during the clinical studies. Further clinical studies need to be undertaken to see if any correlation exists between breast cancer and implants in regards to more advanced breast cancer compared to the time of diagnosis. This is because breast cancer can be harder to detect in women with breast implants. The implants can impair the effectiveness of mammograms and delay the diagnosis of breast cancer. Delayed diagnosis means that the breast cancer will be more advanced at the time of diagnosis in women with breast implants compared to women without implants. The best way to screen for breast cancer and implant ruptures or leaks is through an MRI. This is recommended by the FDA particularly for women with silicone breast implants. An MRI should be performed at least 3 years after the initial placement and every 2 years thereafter. Screening for ruptures and leaks in saline breast implants is not as important because they are easier to detect. Saline ruptures cause the implant to deflate as the salt water solution leaks into the body. Silicone implants usually tend to leak at a much slower rate that can be difficult to detect. Breast cancer and implants may seem to have several disadvantages, but many benefits exist, as well. Talk to a certified plastic surgeon about benefits and risks of both future breast cancer and past breast cancer, if applicable.
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