The breast self-exam is the same for women with breast implants as for all women. You'll likely be able to feel lumps in the same way as before — possibly even more easily. The breast tissue itself doesn't feel any different because of breast implants.
Implants separate the breast tissue from the chest wall by pushing up the breast tissue. Women with breast implants actually may find it easier to do a breast self-exam because they don't feel their ribs as readily.
Breast cancer screening guidelines are the same for women with breast implants as for all women. Many women start examining their breasts regularly at about age 20. The American Cancer Society recommends:
- Clinical breast exams once every three years between ages 20 and 39 and annually for women age 40 and older.
- Yearly mammograms starting at age 40.
- Optional breast self-exams (BSEs). Talk to your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of BSEs. If you choose to perform BSEs, have your doctor check your technique. Promptly report any new breast symptoms.
If you have a family history of cancer or other factors that put you at high risk, you may need to start mammograms at an earlier age.
Women with breast implants may want to consider getting their mammograms at a medical facility that does a large number of mammograms annually. The procedure may be slightly different and the images more difficult to interpret in women with breast implants. For this reason, they may benefit from a radiologist experienced in such examinations.
There's a very slight risk that the implants may rupture during a mammogram. But the benefits of mammography in the early detection of breast cancer outweigh this risk.