Do Breast Implants Cause Cancer Or Increase Your Risk For It?

While it is generally accepted that having breast implants will increase your risk for breast cancer, the medical community still has not reached a firm conclusion as to why this is the case. One thing that we do know is that the majority of women who have had breast augmentation surgery have had no change in their risk factors for breast cancer later in life compared to women who did not have this type of invasive procedure. For some women this is good news, as it gives them more options when it comes to having another child. But for the millions of women living with the threat of breast cancer, the good news is not so good as it means that their implants may cause the cancer to return in the future.

|

Do Breast Implants Cause Cancer Or Increase Your Risk For It?

While it is generally accepted that having breast implants will increase your risk for breast cancer, the medical community still has not reached a firm conclusion as to why this is the case. One thing that we do know is that the majority of women who have had breast augmentation surgery have had no change in their risk factors for breast cancer later in life compared to women who did not have this type of invasive procedure. For some women this is good news, as it gives them more options when it comes to having another child. But for the millions of women living with the threat of breast cancer, the good news is not so good as it means that their implants may cause the cancer to return in the future.

}

 

One of the most common concerns about the return of cancer to pre-existing conditions is the slow development of cancer cells in the body that can take place for months and years after the removal of a breast implant. While it is known that the body develops new cells in the absence of cancer, it is unknown whether these cells become cancerous or not. This is one of the biggest questions surrounding the link between breast implants and breast cancer.

 

There are several theories on the subject as well as an abundance of data on the issue. One theory is that the implants cause cancer because of the radiation given off by the device. Other theories state that there may be an underlying abnormal mammary duct or other structures that allow cancerous cells to develop. It is important to note that all of these theories still need to be proven true in order to be tested in a clinical trial to determine the link between the implants and breast cancer. As of right now breast cancer remains to be the second leading cause of death for women in the United States.