A decades-long study finds no connection between women with silicone breast implants and breast cancer. In the 37-year-long study, American researchers examined 3,486 Swedish women who received breast implants for cosmetic reasons. They discovered that only 53 of the women developed breast cancer, compared to 71.9 that would have been expected in the general population.

The research was led by Joseph McLaughlin, Ph.D., cancer epidemiologist with the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, and colleagues at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Their findings were printed in the April 19, 2006 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Many of the women studied had smaller breasts, gave birth at a younger age and were thin-all factors associated with a low risk of cancer. Researchers also found that the women with silicone implants were more likely to develop lung cancer than breast cancer. Of those studied, 20 developed lung cancer, compared to the predicted 9.1. Some researchers believe Swedish women with implants are more likely to smoke-thus increasing the likelihood of lung cancer.

Quieting the controversy?

The study is good news for women who have considered breast augmentation, but were deterred by the controversy concerning their health. In 1992, the use of silicone gel implants was restricted by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. In November of 2006, they were approved for women ages 22 and older. Both of the silicone-implant manufacturers approved by the FDA-Allergan Corp. and Mentor Corp.-must conduct 10-year patient follow-ups for 40,000 women.

The National Institute of Medicine

According to the National Institute of Medicine, 25 to 40 percent of women who get breast implants end up needing a second operation. Minor complications include wrinkling, asymmetry, implant shifting or rupture. But despite the possibility of additional surgeries plus the cost-which can exceed the cost of the initial implant surgery-the breast enhancements are gaining popularity.

In 2003 there were almost 255,000 breast augmentation surgeries, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. That's nearly twice the number performed in 1998.

Saline or silicone

Many people now have the choice between saline and silicone implants. Saline implants use silicone shells that are typically pre-filled, or filled with a saltwater mixture during surgery. These types of breast implants can be adjusted after breast augmentation surgery by altering the amount of solution.

Silicone implants are merely shells filled with a silicone gel and ideal for anyone who needs a lift along with the implants. While saline-filled implants leak only salt water if they rupture, silicone gel-filled breast implants maintain their shape following a rupture. Silicone breast implants, however, often result in a softer breast and some cosmetic surgeons prefer them over saline to correct skin ripping that may occur.

Benefits of implants

Breast augmentation is often successful at making the breasts appear fuller and larger. The results aren't always natural, larger breasts-many tend to be more round and perky than natural breasts of the same size. Many women and men find these differences to be an improvement.

For women who are unhappy with their breast size, breast augmentation can produce results that dramatically improve their self-confidence, self-esteem and quality of life.