Breast Screening With Implants: It Does Not Check the Implant

Report new breast changes to your GP rather than waiting for screening. If you suspect a problem with an implant, tell the mammographer and ask your clinical team about assessment.¹

The myth: one appointment checks everything

Cambridge University Hospitals explains that breast-cancer screening does not check the implants themselves. A screening appointment and an implant concern involve different questions.¹

Tell the mammographer

Implants can obscure some breast tissue on a mammogram. CUH advises telling the mammographer because the screening technique may need adapting to show as much breast tissue as possible.¹

Try: “I have breast implants and this concern. What does screening assess, and who should assess the implant problem?”¹

Get an individual explanation

Have the team explain the proposed examination and address your concerns. CUH says you can stop the examination and withdraw consent.¹

Keep the contact details and next steps from that conversation with your appointment information.¹

My Body Changed. Now What? includes a Visit Brief. Use it to organize questions for your appointment. See the book.