Researchers say that women who get breast implants may be in more danger for the late detection of breast cancer than woman with natural breasts, according to the Daily Mail.
The analysis of various studies found that women with the implants had a 26 percent higher risk of being diagnosed at the later stages of breast cancer than those without the implants. Also, those with implants had a 38 percent greater risk of dying from the disease. Those who conducted the research said this information should be “interpreted with caution” since other factors may be involved.
According to the researchers, led by Eric Lavigne, PhD, of Laval University in Quebec, the implants cause shadows on X-rays during mammograms that possibly obstruct the sight of doctors as they look for tumors.
The ability of the breast to be held tightly during a mammogram is vital to the examination process. Due to the silicone gel in the cosmetically-altered breasts, this ability is hampered and could also cause doctors to miss a small tumor or other issues.
The researchers, who come from a host of institutions in Canada, analyzed 12 studies that were published after 1993. The studies were done within the United States, Canada, and northern Europe.
The researchers admitted that more work needed to be done but they say there is “accumulating evidence” to support these initial findings.
"Better understanding of the detection of breast cancer and survival patterns following diagnosis of breast cancer among women with implants will aid in giving clear information on the consequences of breast augmentation surgery to these women and their physicians," said the researchers according to MedPageToday.com. "The fact that implants may interfere with the early detection of breast cancer is particularly relevant and carries with it important clinical and public health implications," they wrote.
The study was reported online at BMJ.com.