Mammograms and Breast Implants; Will They Rupture? Will They Obscure Breast Cancer?

MSNBC News stated on Health Today - 5/26/06

Dear Dr. Reichman: I'm 40 and I know that I need to begin to have annual mammograms. I had breast implants six years ago, and now I’m worried. Can the mammogram procedure rupture the implants? And can my implants obscure signs of breast cancer? — Busty and bothered

Dear Busty: You have two valid concerns. Breast augmentation is the second most frequent surgery performed by plastic surgeons. It's estimated that over 4 million women have had this surgery, approximately 80 percent for cosmetic reasons and 20 percent for reconstruction after mastectomy.

—can breast cancer be found if you have an implant?

Short answer is yes, BUT-

"several studies have reported false negative mammograms (those that missed the cancer) in 12 to 67 percent of women with augmentation.It may just be, however, that the apparent decreased incidence of breast cancer in women with breast implants reflects the fact that these women are more likely to be thin. (Obesity is a significant risk factor for breast cancer.) Also, the women with breast implants tend to be in a higher socioeconomic group with better nutrition, exercise, cancer screening, and access to medical care."

So, in other words, if you're beautiful and rich, you'll be thin, and you'll have access to better food, better personal trainers, and better doctors, which in turn, helps you be more beautiful and rich...and so on...

—will it rupture during a mammogram procedure?

Short answer, No, BUT-

There were only 41 cases of implant ruptures during mammography reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration between June 1992 and October 2002.

Don't let that be the reason you don't go get a mammogram.It's pretty rare, and your breast health is more important.

Read the full report on MSNBC News

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" Click " at the Breast Cancer Site to raise money for women who need free mammograms!

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Your click on the "Fund Free Mammogram" button helps fund free mammograms, paid for by site sponsors whose ads appear after you click and provided to women in need, through the efforts of the National Breast Cancer Foundation to low-income, inner-city and minority women, whose awareness of breast cancer and opportunity for help is often limited.

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