Breast Cancer Awareness Month

You most likely know that October has been designated National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the United States. Events to raise money for breast cancer research have been held each October since 1985 when NBCAM was founded. Cities and organizations such as Susan G. Komen and Bright Pink host Race for the Cure walks all over the country. Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center has participated in these fundraising events.

One of the most important and successful ways of preventing breast cancer is through mammography. Today, October 18th, has been designated National Mammography Day. As a doctor I would like to stress the importance of women having regular mammograms. As a cosmetic surgeon,  I would like to reiterate that women who have had breast augmentation must also get their mammograms. There are many myths about breast cancer and implants that I would like to clear up now.

Myth 1:  Silicone breast implants can cause cancer.

Silicone breast implants DO NOT cause cancer. Many years ago it was hypothesized that silicone implants might cause cancer. However, studies have shown there was no causal relationship between implants of any sort and breast cancer. While it is true that silicone implants may cause scarring, this has not been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer either. Women with implants do not have a higher incidence of breast cancer than women without implants, in fact they may have a lower incidence of breast cancer.

Myth 2:  Mammograms can cause breast implants to rupture.

Mammograms DO NOT cause breast implants to rupture. Many women seem to be afraid that the pressure of a mammogram might rupture their implants. This is highly unlikely. For example, a statistical study showed that only 41 cases of implant ruptures during mammography were reported to the FDA between June 1992 and October 2002. Don’t forget, this was before the existence of the new highly cohesive silicone gels that are now used in silicone implants.

Myth 3:  Mammograms are useless if you have breast implants.

Mammograms are IMPORTANT if you have breast implants. While it is true that an implant may obscure a certain percentage of breast tissue, the placement of the implant makes a big difference. Also, trained mammographers will know how to compensate for the implant using more views and positioning the breast properly. So you must inform your mammographer that you have implants, and your surgeon should send you to a well trained one.

Learn more with Dr. Judith Reichman from NBC News for more information. Then go get your mammogram!

Dr. Branman