Breast Implants and Mammograms: What You Should Know

Implants can make mammograms more complex, but they do not make screening unimportant. Tell the imaging team about your implants when you book and when you attend.

Do implants cause breast cancer?

Major reviews have not found that implants cause breast cancer in breast tissue. Separately, rare implant-associated lymphoma is discussed on our BIA-ALCL page.

How implants affect mammograms

Implants can block part of the breast from view on a standard mammogram, because X-rays do not pass through them well. Imaging teams therefore often take additional views that gently push the implant back and pull breast tissue forward, called implant displacement views. Compression can feel uncomfortable, and in rare cases may risk implant damage.

What to do

• Tell the clinic you have implants when booking
• Ask whether the facility has experience with implant imaging
• Bring your implant card
• Mention where the implant is placed and any history of capsular contracture or rupture

Other imaging

Ultrasound and MRI may be used in addition to mammograms. MRI is also used to check silicone implants for rupture in some patients.

Surgery planning and screening

Before augmentation, a baseline mammogram or other screening may be recommended depending on your age and risk. Follow your doctor’s advice and national guidelines.

Symptoms

Self-examination matters. Know what your breasts normally look and feel like, and report new lumps, skin changes, nipple discharge or persistent pain.