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Concerns about Breast Cancer Family History Questions on genetics, family history & breast cancer. |
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| 1/29/2011 | Do implants "hide" breast cancer, i.e., make it more difficult to detect? I have not had breast cancer myself but do have over-the-muscle implants that are 30 years old. I have 2 great aunts, 2 aunts, and 5 first cousins who have had breast cancer, all on the paternal side of my family. I am now 60 and would like to have my implants replaced because I have recently developed contracture in the right breast. Would getting new implants be too risky in terms of cancer detection? If not, should I go under the muscle this time? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 1/29/2011 | three thing strike me in the information you wrote. let's discuss each:1. implants that are 30 years old should be removed or at least strong consideration to do so. implants don't have a life time warrranty. actually surprising they have lasted this long when average life cycle for them is 7-10 years.2. family history is very worrisome and warrants genetics counseling and evaluation. talk to one of your relatives who have had breast cancer and see if they would consider getting genetic testing done. that would benefit other family members like yourself and provide more information regarding your personal risk.3. usually implants are not an issue regarding spotting breast cancer, unless they are placed on top of the muscle, and apparently yours were. if getting them replaced, have them placed underneath the muscle to ensure no barriers exist to identify breast cancer in your breasts. of course if you want to come to us for the implant switch you are welcome to do so. 443-287-2778. | ||
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