For more than 20 years, the main choice for breast implants has been some form of silicone rubber. Recent cancer research suggests nanotechnology may make breast implants safer as an alternative to silicone. Approximately 75 percent of post-mastectomy patients choose some form of breast reconstruction. While no medical device is free of risks, silicone breast implants still present a relatively high level of risk. This makes nanotechnology a promising alternative.

Similarly, nanotechnology may speed up recovery after breast reduction. Recovery from plastic surgery of any type has its risks. A University of Akron study suggests that nanotechnology produces additional properties that offer additional medical benefits patients cannot get from silicone or other traditional procedures. Some of the potential dangers of silicone materials include a greater instance of various forms of cancer, systemic diseases and psychological diseases. Dr. Judit E. Puskas, who led the study at the University of Akron, believes that nanostructured material may eliminate such risks and present a safer alternative to silicone-based breast implants.

Dr. Laura Kruper of the City of Hope Medical Center in Duarte, California is among doctors pointing out the psychological benefits of reconstruction following a mastectomy. While expense is a concern for some women, another factor is safety. This adds to the appeal of materials constructed using nanotechnology. The idea of using nanotechnology in breast implants is to alter the characteristics of the silicone. The manipulation would take place in the atoms of the silicone. Implants with the capability of delivering chemicals may speed up the recovery process and reduce side effects following surgery and initial treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. It is the leading cause of death among women of all races. While breast cancer rates have been decreasing by about 2 percent since 2005, it is still estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop some form of breast cancer during their lifetime. This makes exploration of nanotechnology a worthwhile effort, according to Dr. Puskas and other doing similar research. The primary goal is to ensure that such technology is safe. Early research has shown promise. Some researchers have gone beyond Dr. Puskas’ early optimism and suggest that nanotechnology may result in materials that are not only safer, but materials that have the ability to deliver cancer medications more directly.

Nanostructured materials, by nature, are smaller. This includes smaller components within the material that minimizes complications. The new material will also have the ability to deliver certain cancer drugs more locally. The ability to deliver cancer drugs in this manner could help patients who have a breast reduction or have to have a mastectomy or double mastectomy due to breast cancer. Delivering cancer drugs this way could further minimize risks and side effects associated with chemotherapy. Right now, such technology is in the testing phase. The goal of nanotechnology research is to create alternatives to silicone implants that sharply reduce side effects and potential risks at the time of the implants and in the future. According to Breastcancer.org, there are about 3 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. A common concern among survivors, especially those who had some form of mastectomy or lumpectomy, is finding a way to restore the natural appearance of the breast.

Some women express a hesitation to get breast implants following breast cancer due to a fear that the implants themselves will cause additional medical problems. According to a study of breast cancer patients in California, fewer women are electing to have breast implants following mastectomy. On a nationwide level, however, statistics show that about 90 percent of women who have had a mastectomy following breast cancer choose some form of reconstruction. Nanotechnology is showing promise among all fields of science, but still must receive FDA approval to be used in breast implants. Early studies, however, are highlighting the potential of nanotechnology.

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