Neither silicone nor saline breast implants have been shown to cause breast cancer (or any other type of cancer or autoimmune disease, for that matter). However, just like women without breast implants, some breast augmentation patients do eventually get breast cancer.
While it may not be on the top of their minds, many of my Walnut Creek breast augmentation patients who receive a breast cancer diagnosis will eventually be concerned about the effect that cancer treatment will have on the results of their past breast augmentation. My advice for these women: don’t worry. There are ways to keep you healthy AND beautiful at the same time.
- Radiation. Up until recently, women had to worry that the risk of capsular contracture (a complication that occurs when scar tissue constricts implants) was increased when breast augmentation patients undergo radiation. However, new forms of radiation therapy (that target specific areas, not the whole breast) can be performed for some women and do not carry such a high a risk of radiation-associated capsular contracture.
- Removal and replacement. If mastectomy or lumpectomy is necessary and requires removal of breast implants, they can be replaced. A skilled surgeon will take special care to preserve as much skin as possible, so there should be enough tissue to accommodate the implant.
As you can see, no matter which avenue of treatment your medical team decides to pursue, there are options to protect the beautiful breasts you achieved with your breast augmentation.
