In the NCI study, the researchers did find that breast cancer was detected at a later stage among some women with breast implants, compared to women without implants. However, the researchers say that the differences were not statistically significant and require further investigation. According to the NCI, it is estimated that between 1.5 million and 2 million American women have had breast implant surgery since implants first appeared on the market in 1962. Currently, only breast cancer patients who participate in closely monitored clinical trials may get silicone breast implants. There is much controversy surrounding silicone breast implants.
Many medical experts doubt silicone implants cause any significant medical disease.
Future research will help to better understand the long-term health effects of silicone breast implants. Copyright 1997-2001 Imaginis Corporation. All rights reserved. Imaginis is a registered service mark of Imaginis Corporation, a health services company. All other trademarks and copyrights are property of their respective owners.