Do Implants Cause Cancer?
So, buying a pair of boobs is relatively harmless, right? It turns out that you may be wrong.
Women, beware! The Food and Drug Administration has announced that there is a possible link between breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The American Cancer Society reports that this form of cancer can affect the lymph nodes and/or skin of its victims. This form of cancer is typically found in young people.
The FDA is urging manufacturers to include the possible risk on their warnings and urging them to inform doctors. Here is a quote from Dr. William Maisel, chief scientist and deputy director for science at the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health:
"We need more data and are asking that health care professionals tell us about any confirmed cases they identify. We are working with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and other experts in the field to establish a breast implant patient registry, which should help us better understand the development of ALCL in women with breast implants."
Women are being urged to check their implants and let doctors know if they notice any changes. It is estimated that 1 in 500,000 women are diagnosed with ALCL annually. While about five to ten million women around the world have breast implants, this is still something to watch out for. If you notice pain, asymmetry, swelling, lumps, or anything else unusual about your breasts, see your doctor as soon as possible.
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