Growing Concerns Breast Implants and Cancer

[GeorgeFayne]

This week, the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has issued a public statement to increase awareness of a previously rare form of lymphoma that is now seeing an increase in cases, specifically in women who have had breast implants.

www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm630895.htm

Several thoughts on this from a feminist perspective:

1. Conforming to cultural expectations of what a woman's body is "supposed' to look like may be more harmful than we ever realized. Thank you, patriarchy.
2. Clearly, more research into the potential consequences of implants is called for. Again, women's health is woefully neglected in clinical trials and women are put at risk. In addition to the millions of implants used worldwide for cosmetic reasons, many breast cancer survivors go on to have reconstructive surgery using implants. We must have a better understanding of the risks.
3. I have specific concerns for young women presently identifying as men who may go to regret having a mastectomy and wish to have implants. Don't forget the words of the good Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy (of UCLA Gender Clinic) who has casually noted that girls can always get breasts later:

Your second point there is the crux for me. Cosmetic procedures to 'fit in' to an ideal are foolhardy imo, but this is so much bigger, given issues like reconstructive surgery, and that, yet again, this is an issue of women's medicine which is leaving us at risk. See also the mesh scandal. It makes me so cross.

I have reconstruction with implants (had preventative mastectomies due to cancer risk). When I got them back in 2014, there was already some knowledge of this cancer risk (as stated in that link, the FDA started communicating risks in 2011 and in the community I was in for hereditary and genetic cancers it was discussed). It was also known to show more in textured silicone implants, which I have.

I still chose implants then - with that and other known risks specific to reconstruction with them - and would still choose to get them now, as for me I was not prepared to go “flat” (which is also a fine choice if desired). I wanted to still have breasts for me, despite wanting my originals gone to reduce my risks. The other options like flap surgery were not options for me due to lack of requisite amount of spare tissue (and also were more concerning to me based on my athletics and seeing my mother and other friends experiences with flap surgeries). And the reason for me was rather simple: this is known to be a rather rare cancer. It still is: 457 worldwide reported cases since 2010 (yes, I know self-reporting is not perfect). The reported deaths (9) are also low (2% of those reported). Given the circumstances I was prepared to accept the small risk of it after taking steps to reduce a much greater “known” risk to me of breast cancer and experience in my own family it has always been fatal.

The key is I was informed. I made a choice based on the information. I also was an adult making the choice (not a teenager identifying as trans encouraged to get top surgery). Being informed is necessary, whether it is for cosmetic or reconstruction: lots of other things can go very wrong too with surgery/implants like tissue necrosis, cellulitis, capsular contracture, and all need to be disclosed.

Maybe in a few years when it comes time for a revision I will feel differently or have other options available, but as far as now I am very happy with my implants.

Should have said “457 worldwide unique reported cases”.

FeministCat
Thank you for your response. I fully understand and support your decision to get implants, and I'm really happy that you are pleased with them. I am also quite relieved to hear you did so with the knowledge of this. Informed consent is essential.

I have breasts implants, they were "installed" in 2012. I was also told the risk of potential lymphomas alsong side other risk factors, but with massively underdeveloped breasts and no mammary tissue I decided to go ahead with the surgery.

To date luckily I have had no complications and they have now been there for 7 years, that's not to say I won't develop an issue but I am aware of what to look out for.

I think I was lucky though the surgeon did go through everything in detail and I felt I made an informed choice.

I also have textured implants, allegarn ones I think, so I suppose time will tell.

If you look at the results however there have been some 600.cases compare that to the 10million women who have implants annually and the figure is relatively low, however it's still a risk.