Implants not a problem for women having breast reconstruction surgery

Breast reconstruction surgery for mastectomy patients is a difficult decision to make particularly with the fear in the past that it may hurt them in the future. However, according to latest research, women interested in immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy should not worry that their implants could cause, hinder detection of, or affect treatment of cancer recurrence. (Related article: It is possible to detect cancer risk at the time of breast reduction surgery)

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

During 2004, almost 63,000 American women had breast reconstruction after mastectomy, according to ASPS statistics. The American Cancer Society estimates 211,240 new cases of invasive breast cancer will occur in 2005 among women in the United States and more than 40,000 women will die from the disease.

Related article: Breast reduction may be covered by insurance