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Study dismisses breast cancer reoccurrence concerns with breast implants

Ambulatory Safety Monitor, October 6, 2005

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A new study indicates there is no significant difference in breast cancer reoccurrence between women who have immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy and those who do not, according to a statement from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

The study compared 309 women who had immediate breast construction with an implant compared to 309 women who had the mastectomy but did not undergo the reconstructive surgery.

The results also revealed that when a patient experienced cancer reoccurrence after having the reconstructive surgery, treatment was not generally affected by the presence of the new implants. Of the 21 women who experienced a cancer reoccurrence after reconstruction, only three had the implants removed, and two of the three chose removal for personal reasons.

"We are pleased to report that treating breast cancer recurrence rarely requires the removal of patients' implants," said Andrea Pusic, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and co-author of the study. "This is reassuring information for women who choose to have implant-based breast reconstruction."

The study was presented at the ASPS Plastic Surgery 2005 conference in Chicago.

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