Women with breast implants may be misguided in their reluctance to have an annual mammogram, placing their health at risk, according to experts at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

Women who have had breast augmentation surgery are less likely to have yearly mammograms because they assume their implants interfere with the detection of breast cancer or that the procedure will rupture their implants, said Dr. Phil Evans, head of the breast imaging program at the Southwestern Center for Breast Care.

"Mammography is the single most important method for detecting breast cancer and reducing mortality," said Evans. "All women, including those with breast implants who are 40 and older, should have an annual mammogram and breast examination by a healthcare professional and perform monthly breast self-exams."

Implants filled with silicone or saline are encased in a silicone shell and cause an opaque image on an x-ray. In women with implants, radiologists commonly take twice as many views of each breast in order to get a better view of the breast tissue.

"Most breast implant patients are reluctant to undergo a mammogram because they worry that the pressure will cause their implants to rupture," said Evans. "It is rare to have an implant rupture during a mammogram."

"For women with implants, we use a special technique, known as implant-displaced views, to mobilize the implant away from the breast tissue," explained Evans. "The implant is pushed back against the chest wall, and the breast tissue is pulled forward. This allows more breast tissue to be imaged than with the routine views."

Women who have breast implants are also encouraged to perform monthly breast self-exams. "Regardless of the placement of the implant, women can still do self-exams. It is important for women to become familiar with their breast tissue and report any persistent changes to their physician," Evans advised.

Other sources: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center