Joanna Szabo  |  December 9, 2022

Category: Breast Implants

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Plastic surgeon woman holding different size silicone breast implants

Some studies show evidence suggesting that breast implants can help prevent breast cancer, but certain implants may actually increase the risk of other cancers, including one associated specifically with breast implants.

Do breast implants prevent breast cancer?

Several studies have found that women with breast implants may be at a lower risk for developing breast cancer. It is important to note that this association may not be directly linked to the presence of breast implants and consumers should not assume that breast implants prevent breast cancer.

Instead, the decreased risk may be related to the traits of those who receive breast implants such as lower weight and other factors.

It is essential to get screened regularly. Consistent cancer screening means that the likelihood of detecting the cancer early on is much higher, which places patients in a better position for treatment and recovery. Cancer screening may seem like a chore, but it is a chore that can — and regularly does — save lives.

During the COVID-10 pandemic, breast cancer screenings have declined dramatically, according to a June 2021 CDC report — by a whopping 87% in April 2020 compared with previous 5-year averages for April. While some facilities were closed early on in the pandemic, and screenings cancelled, most facilities are offering cancer screenings again, and it continues to be essential to get regularly screened.

Are breast implants associated with other cancers?

Breast implants — in particular, textured breast implants — has been associated with a type of non-Hodkgin’s lymphoma known as breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA ALCL), according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Smooth breast implants have also been associated with an increased risk of developing BIA ALCL, but to a lesser degree.

BIA ALCL is found in the scar tissue capsule and liquid that forms around breast implants during the healing process. Symptoms of the cancer may include pain, lumps, swelling, breast asymmetry, and fluid collection around the implant, among other symptoms.

The cancer is fairly rare, according to the FDA. As of September 2018, the FDA reported having received 660 medical device reports regarding BIA ALCL. Nine patients included in the reports died, according to the agency. The FDA has been aware of a potential association between breast implants and an increased risk of ALCL since 2011, and has in the last decade been collecting data to help determine the extent of the link.

There is no good evidence that suggest breast implants prevent cancer. In most cases, BIA ALCL stays in the scar capsule around the implant and can be easily treated through surgery and radiation. However, BIA ALCL is like any other cancer in that the disease can spread throughout the body if left untreated. In these cases, BIA ALCL may be life-threatening.

After discovering that textured breast implants, which are designed with a textured surface to help the healing process, are associated with BIA ALCL, regulatory bodies in other countries have banned several textured implants in an attempt to protect consumers.

France banned certain textured implants in April 2018 and Health Canada followed suit by banning one type of textured implant from manufacturer Allergan.

Although the FDA recognizes the link between textured breast implants and BIA ALCL, the agency will reportedly hold off on banning textured implants since the cancer has also been recorded in patients with smooth surface implants.

“We are focused on strengthening the evidence generated to help inform future regulatory actions and to assure that women and providers are adequately informed of the risk of BIA-ALCL, including that the risk is higher with the use of textured implants, albeit still low,” the FDA said in a statement.

“Though the number of identified cases of BIA-ALCL is small compared to the estimated 1.5 million patients who receive breast implants worldwide every year, confirmed data and published information reviewed to date suggests that patients with breast implants have an increased risk of BIA-ALCL,” the agency said.

What is the difference between breast cancer and BIA ALCL?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms directly in the breast tissue, according to Breastcancer.org., usually in the milk producing glands called lobules or in the ducts of the breast. In some cases, malignant cells may form from the fatty and fibrous connective tissues in the breasts. However, all breast cancer starts in some sort of breast tissue.

BIA ALCL is different because it forms within the scar tissue around the breast implant rather than in the breast tissue.

Both breast cancer and BIA ALCL can be life threatening and must be treated appropriately to avoid the risk of the cancer spreading to the nearby lymph nodes and elsewhere in the body.

Breast implant illness is another related condition, though non-cancerous, which has gained attention along with BIA ALCL. Although medical professionals are hesitant to diagnose the condition, notable celebrities including the Bachelorette star Clare Crawley have come forward about their experiences. BII has been touted as the source of numerous symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, rashes, inflammation, and more.

Can I file a lawsuit over breast implant illness?

More and more people are coming forward alleging that they have been diagnosed with Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma because of their breast implants. In June 2021, a New Jersey state judge ruled that Allergan can’t escape BIA ALCL claims and must face a pending breast implant class action lawsuit.

If you or someone you love has developed BIA ALCL or another breast implant–related illness after getting textured breast implants, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by cancer, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Litigation can be a daunting prospect, especially while dealing with medical complications, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

Join a free breast implants side effects lawsuit investigation

You may qualify for this breast implant investigation under the following circumstances:

  • You were implanted with textured breast implants;
  • You were diagnosed with Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA ALCL); and/or
  • You’ve suffered from any illness you believe is related to the implants.

Fill out the form on this page for a free case evaluation by a breast implants injury attorney. 

Learn More

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.

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