Giving Compass' Take:

• Stephen Ducray explains the evidence linking breast cancer to implants, a connection that is important for people considering impacts.

• How can funders help to develop understanding around the causes of cancer? How can information effectively be shared with the general public? 

• Learn about funding cancer research. 

The link between breast implants and cancer has been brought into the limelight by a global collaboration, including researchers from the University of Cambridge. The investigation has shown a rare form of cancer known as Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) may develop as a consequence of breast implant procedures.

ALCL is a relatively rare, mostly childhood cancer of the lymphatic system, derived from infection-fighting immune cells known as T-Cells. Under typical circumstances, ALCL develops in lymph nodes, skin, lungs, and soft tissue. Intriguingly, incidences of ALCL have now been reported in women who have undergone breast augmentation with implants. This new form of ALCL has been called breast-implant-associated ALCL (BIA-ALCL) or implant ALCL (iALCL) and occurs in women of all ages following implants for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes.

Over 200 cases of BIA-ALCL have been reported worldwide to date and almost exclusively in the context of textured implant shells. BIA-ALCL, generally occurs in the scar tissue that forms around the implant; the so-called capsule, and is usually present as one of two forms: seromas (a liquid swelling in one of the breasts) and much more rarely, solid masses or lumps; the latter of which has a worse prognosis and is associated with fatalities.

Read the full article by Stephen Ducray about breast implants and cancer from the University of Cambridge.