The truth about whether breast implants affect your risk of breast cancer.

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world, with almost 300,000 women in the US undergoing the procedure each year.

Yet surrounding the procedure are a number of health concerns, including the belief it can affect your risk of getting breast cancer.

So, is it true or is it a myth?

“Data from large studies, including extended follow up for almost four decades, provide no evidence of increased risk of breast cancer for women with breast implants,” Professor Helen Zorbas, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Australia, told Mamamia.

“However, a possible association between breast implants and a rare type of cancer called Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma remains the subject of ongoing monitoring and research.”

60 Minutes' special on Roxy Jacenko, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, mentioned she'd had breast implants. Image: Channel 9/Screenshot

According to the Breast Cancer Network Australia, while there have been suggestions that breast implants used in breast reconstruction may be linked to the rare form of cancer, the chances are very small.

"This is an exceptionally rare cancer, affecting only 170 women worldwide to date. This is a potential risk to approximately one in a million women with breast implants," reads a statement on the organisation's website.

While no evidence has been found to support the idea that having breast implants actually causes breast cancer, they can have some impact on the ability to detect the disease.

"As a clinician who works with women every day, [for] a woman who comes in with implants, it is a lot more difficult to examine and feel her breasts, even if the implant is behind the breast tissue," says Sapphire Medical Practice's Dr Dasha Fielder. (Post continues after gallery.)

"It's hard to offer the same examination as other women and certainly reduces the chances of early detection. Mammography squeezes your breasts and women with implants can often be reluctant to get them squeezed as it could lead to trauma, even though surgeons say it is safe."

She believes it's something more patients need to be made aware of before they consider implants.

"It's something not discussed with women, and particularly because lots of them get implants when they're younger and they're not thinking about the future impact," she says.

Image: iStock

"It is obviously their choice, done for individual reasons and we respect that. But it's so important to be aware of it and discuss with your doctor about the best way to examine your breasts and work out a strategy, such as seeing your doctor for checks more often."

As for other health risks, Dr Fielder believes breast augmentation is perfectly safe - providing it's done properly.

"Breast implants are getting better every year in regards to the material and how much trauma they can sustain. However it carries all risks and complications of any other surgery - I've seen infections and ruptures," she says.

"In this day and age with the quality of surgeons, if it's done by reputable plastic surgeons they are quite safe. Of course it's all down to personal choice of the patient - most have a valid reason for wanting the procedure."

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, visit bcna.org.au for free information and support.

Image: iStock