In This Issue

Extract

Breast Implants and Cancer

Silicone breast implants have been linked to various short-term complications, but little evidence exists support the notion that they increase the risk of breast cancer, according to a literature review by Brinton and Brown (p. 1341). In fact, mounting evidence suggests breast cancer risk may actually be reduced among women with implants, although a biological mechanism for such reductions remains undefined. Because of methodologic limitations of some studies, the investigators urge that these reductions be interpreted cautiously.

They also report there are insufficient data from human studies to conclude whether the implants predispose to other cancers. However, experimental data suggcst the need for further evaluation of sarcomas and hematologic cancers, particularly multiple myeloma.

They recommend that future studies consider duration of implantation (a determinant of implant deterioration), type of implant (those with polyurethane foam covers can leak toluene diamine, carcinogen in animals), and lifestyle factors that could independently affect cancer risk.