Does breast reduction increase cancer risk?

Question

I've heard that there's a study linking breast procedures to increased breast cancer. Is this accurate?

Elizabeth Kiwanuka, MD, PhD · Answer

Concerns about whether this surgery could increase the risk of breast cancer have been a topic of interest.
Most studies indicate that breast reduction surgery does not increase the risk of breast cancer. In fact, some research suggests that it might even reduce the risk, as the surgery removes a significant amount of breast tissue, potentially decreasing the chances of cancer developing in that tissue.
There is a possibility that during the surgery, previously undetected cancerous cells might be found. 
It's important for women who have undergone breast reduction to continue regular breast cancer screenings. The surgery can change the appearance and feel of the breasts, which might make self-exams or mammograms slightly different, but not less effective.
The overall risk of breast cancer is influenced more by factors such as genetics, family history, age, and lifestyle rather than breast reduction surgery itself.
In summary, current evidence suggests that breast reduction surgery does not increase the risk of breast cancer and may actually reduce it in some cases. Regular screenings and consultations with healthcare professionals remain crucial.

Josh Olson, MD · Answer

There’s no reliable evidence that a breast reduction increases breast cancer risk. In fact, some research suggests the risk may be slightly lower after reduction, possibly in part because there's less breast tissue overall. But I wouldn't want anyone to hear that and think it replaces normal screening—it doesn't.

A few practical things to keep in mind:

- Keep up with routine screening based on your age and personal risk (mammogram, and sometimes ultrasound or MRI).

- Most surgeons send the tissue removed during breast reduction surgery to a pathologist as a precaution. Most of the time, the results come back completely normal, but it's a reassuring safety step for many patients.

- Mammograms can look a little different after surgery because the internal architecture of the breast changes. Radiologists see post-reduction breasts all the time—just make sure your imaging center knows you've had the procedure.

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, dense breasts, or a known genetic mutation, it's worth a quick conversation with your primary care doctor (and sometimes a breast specialist) so your screening plan is tailored to you, not the average person.

Laura Roider, MD · Answer

@Timmy0778 I am not sure what study you are referring to but there have been multiple studies that demonstrate NO increased risk of breast cancer following breast reduction surgery. Some studies have shown that a breast reduction may decrease cancer risk since breast tissue is being removed. With that said, if you are high risk for breast cancer please get appropriate imaging prior to ANY breast surgery.

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

No &mdash; breast reduction does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer, and in many studies it’s actually associated with a reduced risk.Here’s what the research shows:What the evidence saysLarge, long-term studies have found that women who undergo breast reduction surgery tend to have:Lower rates of breast cancer compared to women of similar body size who do not have surgeryThis is thought to be because:Reductions remove breast tissue, which is where cancer startsWomen who undergo surgery often get routine pathology analysis of removed tissue, catching abnormalities earlyMany patients maintain long-term follow-up and screeningFor example, large population studies have shown a significant decrease in breast cancer incidence after reduction surgery in some groups.There is no credible evidence that reduction itself causes breast cancer.

Christine Fisher, MD, FACS · Answer

Great question!  There is no evidence to show that having a breast reduction can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.  In fact, removing some of the breast tissue could potentially reduce your risk of breast cancer in the future.  In conjunction with surgical oncologists, we sometime actually perform a breast reduction as a first step in patients with a genetic susceptability of breast cancer so that they are able to undergo a nipple sparing prophylactic mastectomy in the future. If you desire, we can send the tissue removed during the breast reduction to pathology to be evaluated for cancer.  This is optional for cosmetic patients but available at your request.  Any patient over 40 or at higher risk for breast cancer must undergo a mammogram prior to breast reduction.  I highly recommend seeking out a board certified plastic surgeon that can address your concerns in consultation and help you safely acheive your aesthetic results.

Gulcin Nujen Cardak, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Breast reduction surgery decreases breast cancer risk. The aim of this surgery is reducing the amount of breast tissue. Smaller tissue means less risk

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

Breast reduction surgery does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, it may potentially improve breast health by making it easier to detect any abnormalities through better imaging and self-exams. The procedure involves removing excess breast tissue, which can reduce breast density. Lower breast density can make mammograms and other imaging tools more effective in identifying tumors, allowing for earlier detection of cancer. Although breast reduction is not a preventive measure against cancer, it can assist in identifying potential risks earlier, helping to detect tumors at a more treatable stage.
That being said, there are various factors that contribute to breast cancer risk, and breast reduction surgery does not alter those risk factors. If you have a family history of breast cancer, certain genetic mutations (like BRCA1/2), or a previous diagnosis of breast cancer, your risk may be higher. Other risk factors include prior radiation therapy to the chest. While a breast reduction does not eliminate these risks, it can enhance the effectiveness of breast cancer screenings, allowing for more accurate detection due to the reduced breast tissue density.
In addition to improving breast health and making early detection easier, breast reduction can offer significant benefits to your overall quality of life. Many women experience relief from chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, and back caused by large breasts. It can also help alleviate skin issues and reduce shoulder grooving from bra straps. While breast reduction does not directly reduce cancer risk, it can improve comfort and well-being. Regular breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms and ultrasounds, remain essential for individuals who have undergone any form of breast surgery to monitor for potential abnormalities. If you are concerned about your cancer risk, discuss your options with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your situation.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Breast reduction surgery may actually cause breast cancer brlief is untrue. There is no evidence that cosmetic surgery increases risk of breast cancer at all.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. Cancer risk is not only not increased but it may actually  decrease after breast reduction, because of reduction in breast tissue and cells. The screening mammograms will continue to be needed ,of course. Please discuss your concerns with your family physician.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

No, breast reduction surgery does not increase the risk of breast cancer. In fact, research suggests that it may even lower the risk because it removes breast tissue, which reduces the number of cells that could potentially become cancerous.
You may be referring to concerns about breast implants and a rare type of cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)—which is linked to certain textured implants, not breast reduction itself. However, this is not breast cancer, and the risk is extremely low.
If you've heard about a study linking breast procedures to increased breast cancer, it's always good to look at the details—many studies differentiate between implants, reductions, and reconstructions.

Does breast reduction increase cancer risk?

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