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Previous breast augmentation not associated with increased risk of breast cancer

In a meta-analysis of observational studies, researchers discovered that women who have undergone cosmetic breast implantation do not have an increased risk of breast cancer.

The researchers selected 17 studies and seven cohorts through a PubMed and EMBASE literature search. Reports included in their analysis were those that included relative risk or the standardized incidence ratio of the number of cases of breast cancer to the expected number of cases among patients who previously had cosmetic breast augmentation.

The researchers calculated summary standardized incidence ratios, relative risk rates and corresponding 95% confidence intervals using a random-effects or fixed-effects model.

In all reports but one, the risk of breast cancer was found to be lower for women with breast implants than for the general population; however, this difference was statistically significant in only two of the studies, according to the researchers.

The researchers calculated the overall standardized incidence ratio estimate to be 0.69, and the overall risk ratio was 0.63, based on the findings from four studies.

No significant increased risk was associated with attained age, years of exposure or type of implant, according to the researchers. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.