A total of 6,091 women completed a detailed health questionnaire, which included questions about 18 of the symptoms frequently associated with BII. The results showed that women who had received breast-conserving surgery or a mastectomy without implants self-reported experiencing these symptoms equally often as women who received a silicone implant. In both groups, about 20% reported four or more severe symptoms. Even after adjusting for age, cancer stage, and additional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, the researchers found no increased risk of health complaints in the implant group.
Jonathan Spoor, physician-researcher at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, explains: “Many women with breast cancer who are considering a reconstruction, express concern over the symptoms associated with Breast Implant Illness. Our study shows that these symptoms do not occur more frequently in women with silicone implants. That’s important and reassuring information for women still weighing their options, and for those who already have implants.”
The researchers emphasize that some women with implants do experience symptoms. “The complaints we studied, fatigue, joint pain, mood issues, are common in the general population and also in women without breast cancer or implants,” says Spoor. “Our study found no evidence that silicone implants cause these symptoms. Still, it’s vital that women with health complaints, whether they have implants or not, feel heard and supported by their healthcare providers, and that any underlying causes are thoroughly explored.”
These results contribute to a more open and evidence-based conversation about the risks and benefits of silicone breast implants in breast cancer care—so that women can make decisions that are right for them.
This study is part of a national research program into health complaints among women with silicone breast implants. The program is coordinated by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.