What is your opinion of getting a breast augmentation with breast cancer in family background?

Question

I've been considering a breast augmentation. My only concern is there is quite a bid of breast cancer in my family background. My mother had a single mastectomy. Her sister had a lumpectomy. And there are supposedly other's in their older generation that may have had breast cancer also. I tested negative on the BRCA cancer gene test. My OBGYN says I should be fine getting an augmentation. My GP suggests that I shouldn't based on family history. Would I be an idiot for taking the risk?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

With a positive family history of breast cancer you can still get implants.  The implants should be placed under the muscle.  There have been many studies which show that implants do not cause cancer,  or do they delay the diagnosis of breast cancer.  Hope this is reassuring.

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

Whether you have implants or not, your family history strongly suggests that you are a higher risk to develop breast cancer and you should remain vigilant.  Breast implants have not been shown to cause cancer or to hide cancer from detection using current technologies and techniques.  Your breast implants will be below the breast tissue whether the 
implants are placed above or below the chest muscle.  You should be able
 to do your normal breast exams with implants in place.  Your decision to have breast implants should not be affected by your risk for developing breast cancer.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

My philosophy on this is life is about living.  If implants will make your life a lot better, then go for it and monitor regularly with exams and mammography.   And as stated before, submuscular placement is better for mammography. We have been taught to save for the future but sometimes the future never arrives so enjoy your life to its fullest and do what is best for you.  Another nice thing about having implants is that if a mastectomy is needed in the future, you can preserve your implant and volume and avoid the post-mastectomy trauma but you will need to find a surgeon who will preserve skin for you versus those archaic surgeons that simply remove everything!

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

A family history of breast cancer should not preclude you from being able to have a breast augmentation.  The augmentation will not increase your risk of breast cancer and should not hinder your ability to monitor your breasts for breast cancer.  I agree with Dr. Edelson, in your case, I would suggest placing the implants beneath the Pecoralis major muscle to allow for easier breast exams.  Be certain to follow your OBGYN's advice regarding self exams and mammograms.  Best wishes.

What is your opinion of getting a breast augmentation with breast cancer in family background?

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Answer: Breast augmentation with family history of breast cancer.

Answer: Breast augmentation with family history of breast cancer.

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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What is your opinion of getting a breast augmentation with breast cancer in family background?

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast augmentation with family history of breast cancer.

Answer: Breast augmentation with family history of breast cancer.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.