Beauty in general and breast augmentation surgery in particular are legitimate needs of women in modern society. The issue that many people are concerned about is how to perform cosmetic procedures while still ensuring health safety.
Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Huu Vinh, Head of the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital (HCMC) - who has more than 40 years of experience in the field of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, said that in practice, he has encountered many female patients who came to see him in a state of fear.

Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Huu Vinh, Head of Thoracic Surgery Department, South Saigon International General Hospital (Photo: Nam Anh).
Some people think that breast implants can cause cancer, others are afraid that they will not be able to breastfeed after the implants are placed, or they think that having breast implants means they cannot get screened anymore. So, what is the truth?
Breast implants do not affect mammary gland function
According to Associate Professor Vinh, breast implant placement is a cosmetic procedure to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. Technically, the doctor will create a cavity to insert the breast implant (usually made of silicone or biological gel) into two common locations.
The first position is subglandular, where the implant is placed between the glandular tissue and the pectoralis major muscle. And the second position is subpectoral. The implant is placed below the muscle, completely separate from the glandular tissue.
Experts confirm that during the implant placement process, if the doctor does not remove or interfere with the mammary gland tissue, the structure of the glands, milk ducts and the ability to produce milk will still be preserved. In other words, breast implant placement does not affect mammary gland function.
However, breast implants can alter diagnostic images during ultrasound or mammography. Therefore, when screening for breast cancer, women who have had breast implants should inform in advance so that special imaging techniques can be used to better see the hidden glandular tissue.

According to experts, breast implants do not increase the risk of cancer, but there are some things women should be aware of (Photo: Nam Anh).
Does breast implant cause cancer ?
Dr. Vu Huu Vinh shared that breast implants do not increase the risk of cancer, but can hide small tumors if placed under the mammary glands. Specifically, the implants are located right behind the glandular tissue, so when performing ultrasound or X-rays, small tumors located deep inside can be hidden or cause false images. If the person reading the film is not experienced, it is very easy to miss the lesion.
To overcome this, radiologists will use a technique called “Eklund view”, which separates the breast tissue from the sac to observe the entire mammary gland. In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also indicated for early detection of tumors.
“Breast cancer screening is still completely possible, as long as the radiologist is experienced and uses the correct method.
Women only need to inform their doctor about their breast augmentation to get the appropriate imaging technique. They should not be too afraid to skip regular health check-ups,” Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Huu Vinh emphasized.
On the occasion of the Month of Action for Women and Breast Cancer Prevention, Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital (address: 88 Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City) offers customers a free breast examination and ultrasound program, helping women be more proactive in early detection of fibroids, cysts or breast cancer... diseases that silently affect health every day.
The program is valid until October 31 when making an appointment through online channels or the hospital's hotline 1800.6767.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/nhieu-chi-em-e-ngai-nang-nguc-co-the-gay-ung-thu-vu-su-that-the-nao-20251019132442623.htm
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