Q Can breast implants cause cancer?

AUnfortunately recent studies show a link between certain implants and a rare breast cancer called breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL – a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma). The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is investigating BIA-ALCL, as research hasn’t yet shown clearly how it develops, although implant surface texturing may be relevant. The commonest symptom is fluid (seroma) around the implant, causing painless increasing breast size over several weeks, possibly affecting both sides, often years after surgery. Very rarely, BIA-ALCL forms a lump next to an implant, or within the tough fibrous tissue around it. It’s important to know the risks if you already have, or are considering, breast implants. If you develop a seroma, a breast lump or swelling over a year after insertion, contact your surgeon and tell your GP, who’ll refer you to your local NHS breast care service, and report to the MHRA’s ‘Yellow Card’ scheme to let the MHRA help research this issue.