Answers
"I would like to have breast augmentation. However, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer almost two years ago. Considering my mother’s history, how risky or difficult would it be for me to detect breast cancer in its early stages if I go ahead with the augmentation?"
— Answered by
Foad Nahai, MD
Atlanta, GA
The fact that your mother has had breast cancer certainly increases your own risk of developing breast cancer. Factors that influence that risk include your mother's age at the time she was diagnosed and of course your current age. Prior to considering breast augmentation you should discuss this issue with an oncological surgeon (breast cancer surgeon). Perhaps it would be advisable to discuss it with your mother's surgeon. The fact that your mother has had breast cancer is not a contraindication for you to have breast augmentation. Certain criteria will have to be met.
Following the consultation with the oncological surgeon, you should meet with a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to discuss your concerns. In all likelihood the plastic surgeon will advise that you have a baseline mammogram and that it would be preferable to place your implants below the muscle of your chest to facilitate mammography. It is still possible to detect early breast cancer in women with breast implants.
To summarize, you should discuss this issue with an oncological breast surgeon and then with a Board certified plastic surgeon and follow their advice.
