Next to skin cancer, breast cancer is among the most common cancer developed among American women. Having a regular mammogram to screen for precancerous cells can lower women’s risk of death from breast cancer. Now a new study shows that breast cancer risk in women may be connected to the rate at which breast tissue density changes during aging.
Researchers from the London Breast Institute in the United Kingdom presented their case at the annual meeting of the Radiology Society of North America which reported that breast cancer patients under 50 years old had greater breast density than healthy women under 50.
Healthy women showed steady decline in breast density while aging. The American Cancer Society considers women with extremely dense breasts to be at a moderately increased risk of cancer and should see their doctors for multiple screenings annually. Researchers clarified that the study does not change the ACS guidelines, but the study can enhance the need screening for women with densest breasts.
Though medical experts agree that further research should be processed to determine the need for additional screenings of young women with dense breasts.
What Does that Mean for Breast Augmentation Candidates?
As of now, women do not need to be alarmed. Breast cancer risk does not increase the risk of breast cancer for women with breast implants. Regular mammograms should be performed as scheduled following breast augmentation. An experienced radiologist who has performed mammographies on women with breast implants should be notified about their presence prior to any screening. Proper precautions are taken for women with implants when screening to ensure that as much breast tissue as possible can be viewed on the mammogram.
Breast augmentation does not add on to a woman’s original breast tissue. The implants add shape, volume and proportion to a woman’s bust line. Research has yet to conclude that women with breast implants have an increased risk in breast cancer, so for now there is nothing to be concerned with. Your surgeon will give their professional opinion about the implant shape, size and volume to properly enhance your breasts. Learn more about breast density and breast augmentation when you schedule your consultation with Dr. Shahin Javaheri.
