Certain breast implants can increase the risk of cancer 14-fold

Physicians are studying the connection between breast implants and cancer
In today's society many women try to live up to the common ideal of beauty. This includes, for example, that those affected are as slim as possible and have feminine curves. Often, women can also be supported surgically, sometimes with serious health consequences. Researchers now found that women with some types of breast implants are up to 14 times more likely to develop a rare form of cancer.

Researchers at Macquarie University in Australia found that certain types of breast implants can dramatically increase cancer risk. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "American Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery".

More and more young women get their breasts enlarged. However, the implants used may increase the likelihood of cancer. (Image: auremar / fotolia.com)

Researchers are trying to better understand the risks of breast implants
There is an increase in cancer cases in Australia, which seems to be related to the breast implants used. The physicians compared 55 cases of breast cancer in the period from 2007 to August 2016 with sales data from three leading manufacturers of breast implants. So the experts wanted to better understand the risks that can be triggered by the different products.

Implant types with a more structured surface are particularly dangerous
Implants with a more structured surface appear to increase significantly the risk of developing so-called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), the authors explain. Of the three structured implants examined, so-called biocell implants led to the highest risk for ALCL. About one in 3,800 such breast implants appears to be associated with cancer, the researchers speculate.

Implants and their effects on cancer risk
The increased risk in the highly structured implants was about 14 times the risk of so-called Silitex textured implants. The likelihood of developing cancer through such implants was about one in 60,000, the authors explain. Silimed polyurethane implants are approximately 10 times more likely to develop ALCL than Siltex implants. However, these implants have only been available in Australia for a shorter period of time, which may have influenced the risk profile, the researchers explain.

90 percent of Australia's newly introduced brood implants have a textured surface
All four recorded breast cancer deaths in Australia and New Zealand, which were clearly related to breast implants, were associated with Biocell implants, the researchers report. These textured surface implants are used in approximately 90 percent of the estimated 40,000 breast implantations performed annually in Australia, explains author Anand Deva.

Enlarged surface can lead to increased bacterial contamination
One reason for the increased risk of Biocell and Silimed implants could be the increased surface area. The larger area can cause increased bacterial contamination on the surface, the scientists speculate. The structured implants provide the bacteria with the ideal surface to grow into huge amounts if they are not adequately controlled. By eliminating the bacteria and reducing the contamination of textured implants, the risk of ALCL may also be reduced.

Women with breast implants should be examined regularly
Plastic surgeons and patients have a variety of reasons for choosing a textured implant. Patients are advised to be thoroughly informed about potential risks by their plastic surgeon before making any decision, the researchers say. The experts also suggest that women with breast implants should have themselves regularly examined. If sufferers notice swelling, they should urgently consult a doctor. (As)