Silicone breast implants do not increase a person's risk of developing breast cancer, a review by the US National
Cancer Institute has concluded.
A number of previous studies have raised the possibility of a link between the implants and breast cancer, as well as other forms of the disease affecting the cervix and lungs.
However, a review of existing studies on the subject has found little evidence for such a link among breast implant patients.
Study author Dr Louise Brinton commented: "At present, there is no convincing evidence that breast implants alter the risk of cancer.
"The few increases in risk that have been noted in studies appear to be largely attributable to lifestyle characteristics of the women, such as smoking, rather than the implants," she added.
The review is published in a supplement to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal.
Meanwhile, a separate study in the journal found no evidence that silicone is passed on to infants in the breast milk of mothers with implants.
