Will Implants Affect My Likelihood of Breast Cancer?

Among the many questions women inquiring about breast implants ask, the most common one we get is, “Will implants increase my risk of breast cancer?”

Implants and Breast Cancer Diagnosis Rates

Women have been altering the size of their breasts for decades, meaning we have a very good understanding of how breast implants affect a woman’s health — specifically, her likelihood of breast cancer.

We’re pleased to say that neither saline or silicone breast implants increase a woman’s likelihood of breast cancer. In fact, women with breast implants were actually found to have a slightly lesser chance of having breast cancer. However, it’s important to note that it’s likely not due to the implants themselves, but rather that women who choose to get implants are typically leaner.

Lifestyle Factors that Affect Breast Cancer Likelihood

Ultimately, women with and without breast implants have a very similar likelihood of developing breast cancer. Regardless of breast implants, your likelihood of getting breast cancer increases if:

• You have a family history of breast cancer.
• You have a genetic mutation, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
• You’re overweight and/or not active.
• You’re taking hormones.
• You drink alcohol often and in larger quantities.

Breast Implants and Mammograms

The American Cancer Society suggests all women begin getting annual breast cancer screenings (mammograms) at age 40. Because it’s advised that women begin checking themselves for lumps well before their 40th birthday, doctors suggest women with implants pay special attention to how their new breasts look and feel.

Because breasts implants can also affect how a mammogram technician photographs your breasts and how the images are examined, it’s important to tell your technician that you have implants before the mammogram begins.

If you have any questions about breast enhancement procedures, visit us on the web or give us a call at (212) 344-0496!