Breast Implants and Breast Cancer Screening

Concern about breast prostheses impairing breast cancer detection has become a priority issue. This article provides a review of the literature on the influence of implants on early detection methods of breast cancer, specifically breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography. Background information on implants is presented, including indications for surgery, types of prostheses, location of placement, and associated complications. Conclusions from the literature suggest that the presence of implants may facilitate BSE and CBE, yet challenge interpretation of mammography. However, there is no evidence that these women will have a later stage diagnosis or a poorer prognosis if diagnosed with breast cancer.