Is there really a link between breast implants and cancer or other illnesses?

I really want to get breast implants, but I'm so scared. I've read that there is a possibility of getting illnesses or cancer from breast implants. How true is this?

Answers from doctors (14)


More About Doctor David J. Levens, MD

Published on Apr 14, 2023

There are very rare occurrences of non-breast cancer neoplasms developing from the normal scar tissue "capsule" that surrounds breast implants as part of the normal body response to a "foreign body". Fortunately these conditions are very rare and treatable. The vast majority of women with breast implants will never experience these illnesses. All plastic surgeons are aware of these rare occurrences and counsel their patients preop and as well are prepared to take care of their patients should they develop one of these rare occurrences.

Answered by David J. Levens, MD (View Profile)

There are very rare occurrences of non-breast cancer neoplasms developing from the normal scar tissue "capsule" that surrounds breast implants as part of the normal body response to a "foreign body". Fortunately these conditions are very rare and treatable. The vast majority of women with breast implants will never experience these illnesses. All plastic surgeons are aware of these rare occurrences and counsel their patients preop and as well are prepared to take care of their patients should they develop one of these rare occurrences.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Joseph Cruise, MD

Published on Jul 14, 2020

Yes, with textured implants and lymphoma but the implants were recalled earlier this year. Just be sure any plastic surgeon you go to does not try to use these. Otherwise, there are claims from women stating they have what is called breast implant illness. There is no data or testing that can be done to prove this, but some people believe their implants are causing them issues such as headaches, sinus problems, auto-immune issues, etc. When their implants are removed many of these women state their medical issues went away.

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Answered by Joseph Cruise, MD

Yes, with textured implants and lymphoma but the implants were recalled earlier this year. Just be sure any plastic surgeon you go to does not try to use these. Otherwise, there are claims from women stating they have what is called breast implant illness. There is no data or testing that can be done to prove this, but some people believe their implants are causing them issues such as headaches, sinus problems, auto-immune issues, etc. When their implants are removed many of these women state their medical issues went away.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Breast Implant Illness and silicone related medical complications/autoimmune disease are controversial topics. It is a phenomenon that is supported by a wealth of anecdotal data (patient testimony on the internet) but no empiric data (hard scientific research). Patients report a litany of symptoms which they attribute to their implants but the connection is difficult if not impossible to prove via objective evidence (lab tests etc).

Physician scientists may recognize anecdotal data but unless it is supported by Class I empiric data, it is difficult to place a great deal of faith in it. Clinicians should make decisions based upon evidence-based medicine as this is the best tool we have to evaluate new and emerging treatments and technologies. Any claim can be made about anything, but unless verified it is difficult to put too great a degree of stock in it.

That being said, it is easier to identify what one knows rather than what one doesn't. What we do know is that by all available measures today...implants are safe and specifically silicone implants are safe.

Silicone breast implants are among the safest medical devices in use today. These devices are also among the most rigorously studied and tested medical devices currently being used in the U.S. today. It is biologically inert and in that respect no different than the titanium used for bony fixation. There has been no demonstrated link between silicone and the commonly cited myth of autoimmune disease. (Note: Saline implants have a silicone shell and thus do not completely avoid the issue of silicone).

BII is not (as of yet) been recognized as an actual phenomenon with a discernible link to silicone. As such, there are no recommendations regarding augmentation in the setting of pre-operative autoimmune disease.

One point of caution is the relationship between textured devices (no longer available) and BIA-ALCL. This a rare form of lymphoma (less than 600 cases worldwide) which is associated with textured silicone gel implants. For this reason, they are no longer available.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Answered by The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (View Profile)

Breast Implant Illness and silicone related medical complications/autoimmune disease are controversial topics. It is a phenomenon that is supported by a wealth of anecdotal data (patient testimony on the internet) but no empiric data (hard scientific research). Patients report a litany of symptoms which they attribute to their implants but the connection is difficult if not impossible to prove via objective evidence (lab tests etc).

Physician scientists may recognize anecdotal data but unless it is supported by Class I empiric data, it is difficult to place a great deal of faith in it. Clinicians should make decisions based upon evidence-based medicine as this is the best tool we have to evaluate new and emerging treatments and technologies. Any claim can be made about anything, but unless verified it is difficult to put too great a degree of stock in it.

That being said, it is easier to identify what one knows rather than what one doesn't. What we do know is that by all available measures today...implants are safe and specifically silicone implants are safe.

Silicone breast implants are among the safest medical devices in use today. These devices are also among the most rigorously studied and tested medical devices currently being used in the U.S. today. It is biologically inert and in that respect no different than the titanium used for bony fixation. There has been no demonstrated link between silicone and the commonly cited myth of autoimmune disease. (Note: Saline implants have a silicone shell and thus do not completely avoid the issue of silicone).

BII is not (as of yet) been recognized as an actual phenomenon with a discernible link to silicone. As such, there are no recommendations regarding augmentation in the setting of pre-operative autoimmune disease.

One point of caution is the relationship between textured devices (no longer available) and BIA-ALCL. This a rare form of lymphoma (less than 600 cases worldwide) which is associated with textured silicone gel implants. For this reason, they are no longer available.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Published on Jun 02, 2016

Silicone implants have a higher incidence of a very rare cancer, but the number of cases is extraordinarily small. I would not be scared.

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Answered by Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Silicone implants have a higher incidence of a very rare cancer, but the number of cases is extraordinarily small. I would not be scared.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


ELLIOT B. DUBOYS, MD, FACS

Published on May 31, 2016

There is no link between breast implants and cancer. However, there is a rare disease that in over 30 years of practice I have never seen. Don't let this "spook" you out. Discuss with your plastic surgeon.

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Answered by ELLIOT B. DUBOYS, MD, FACS

There is no link between breast implants and cancer. However, there is a rare disease that in over 30 years of practice I have never seen. Don't let this "spook" you out. Discuss with your plastic surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Sean Kelishadi, M.D.

Published on Apr 19, 2016

Hello and thank you for your question. Breast implants are very safe and have not been shown to be the cause of other illnesses or cancer.

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Answered by Sean Kelishadi, M.D.

Hello and thank you for your question. Breast implants are very safe and have not been shown to be the cause of other illnesses or cancer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Published on Mar 18, 2016

The FDA has a long study on the effects of silicone and saline implants, with little evidence of getting cancer. Consult with your physician.

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Answered by Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

The FDA has a long study on the effects of silicone and saline implants, with little evidence of getting cancer. Consult with your physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Larry Leverett, MD, FACS

Published on Mar 10, 2016

It is untrue and unrelated. The incidence of breast cancer in America is about 11% females. In patients with no breast implants, it's about 11%. In patients with implants, its also about 11%. In other words, the incidence is neither increased nor decreased by breast implants because it is not related.

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Answered by Larry Leverett, MD, FACS

It is untrue and unrelated. The incidence of breast cancer in America is about 11% females. In patients with no breast implants, it's about 11%. In patients with implants, its also about 11%. In other words, the incidence is neither increased nor decreased by breast implants because it is not related.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Boris M. Ackerman, M.D.

Published on Mar 08, 2016

There is no known link between breast implants and cancer, or any autoimmune diseases. This issue has been studied extensively for many years. There are literally millions of women in the United States that have breast implants; therefore, any causal association would have been readily apparent.

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Answered by Boris M. Ackerman, M.D.

There is no known link between breast implants and cancer, or any autoimmune diseases. This issue has been studied extensively for many years. There are literally millions of women in the United States that have breast implants; therefore, any causal association would have been readily apparent.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Mar 08, 2016

Unfortunately, there were unnecessary scares about silicone and breast implants in the past, with many studies showing no apparent connection between the two. These are possible and reported, but very rare.

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Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

Unfortunately, there were unnecessary scares about silicone and breast implants in the past, with many studies showing no apparent connection between the two. These are possible and reported, but very rare.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Mark E. Mason, MD, FACS

Published on Mar 01, 2016

Breast implants have been researched extensively over the past two decades, and it has been shown in all the research that implants do not cause cancer or autoimmune diseases as previously suggested. In fact, breast implants are the most studied medical device placed into the human body. If you have a history of breast cancer or other conditions, it would be wise to consult with your physician(s) and a board-certified plastic surgeon before deciding to undergo any type of breast surgery. I hope that this eases your concerns.

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Answered by Mark E. Mason, MD, FACS

Breast implants have been researched extensively over the past two decades, and it has been shown in all the research that implants do not cause cancer or autoimmune diseases as previously suggested. In fact, breast implants are the most studied medical device placed into the human body. If you have a history of breast cancer or other conditions, it would be wise to consult with your physician(s) and a board-certified plastic surgeon before deciding to undergo any type of breast surgery. I hope that this eases your concerns.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Robert J. Brueck MD, FACS

Published on Feb 24, 2016

Breast implants are safe. Many studies have been done to validate their safety.

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Answered by Robert J. Brueck MD, FACS

Breast implants are safe. Many studies have been done to validate their safety.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Paul Wigoda M.D.

Published on Feb 14, 2016

There is no connection between breast implants and breast cancer.

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Answered by Paul Wigoda M.D.

There is no connection between breast implants and breast cancer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


David C. Yao MD, FACS

Published on Feb 10, 2016

Thank you for asking. Breast implants (both saline and silicone) are considered safe. Satisfaction rates are high and overall complications are low. Years ago there were concerns that were shown to be unsupported by lengthy and in-depth evaluation of the safety data. Breast implants are safe. They are FDA approved for use. Hope this helps.

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Answered by David C. Yao MD, FACS

Thank you for asking. Breast implants (both saline and silicone) are considered safe. Satisfaction rates are high and overall complications are low. Years ago there were concerns that were shown to be unsupported by lengthy and in-depth evaluation of the safety data. Breast implants are safe. They are FDA approved for use. Hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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