Are breast implants causing a rare blood cancer?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning for a possible link between breast cancer and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a rare form of blood cancer. Approximately 60 cases of ALCL have been reported around the world, 34 of which were published in a study from January 1997 to May 2010. This number is relatively small, compared to the estimated 5-10 million women who have silicone and saline implants globally. The FDA reports “a very small but significant risk of ALCL in the scar capsule adjacent to the implant” based on this worldwide data.

Approximately 500,000 women are diagnosed with ALCL in the US annually, which is said to be found in about 3 out of every 100 million women without implants, according to the FDA. Medical professionals have been asked to share information on any ALCL cases that have been confirmed. There is talk of a possible “breast implant registry,” in the future.

This announcement is no cause for alarm, “Women should monitor their breast implants and contact their doctor if they notice any changes,” the FDA stated. As with any medical procedure, concerns, risks, and benefits should be discussed at length with your health care provider.