Breast implants cancer reporting intensifies

There has been an intensification in the need for breast implants cancer reporting. This stems from a greater focus on identifying links between implants and certain types of cancer.

We know all too well about the problems that breast implants can caused. We’re still battling for justice for women affected by the PIP Breast Implant scandal. We’ve already recovered over £1.3m in damages, and we continue to fight for UK victims here and in France.

Regulators continue to investigate links between breast implants and rare forms of cancer. Both clinicians and patients are being asked to be aware of the need to take precautions and report adverse incidents.

Breast implants cancer risks

The main breast implants cancer risks are associated with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). This is a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In 2016, the World Health Organisation (WHO) defined a sub-type of ALCL called Breast Implant-Associated ALCL (BIA-ALCL). It’s this sub-type of Lymphoma that’s being looked at more carefully to define whether there are any evident risks.

The current evidence reportedly indicates that breast implants carry a very low, but increased risk, of the development of BIA-ALCL.

What’s being done to better define breast implant cancer risks?

To better define these breast implants cancer links, patients are being asked to take more care to identify when they have problems. The pushing of regular self-checking is being recommended.

At the same time, clinicians are also being asked to ensure proper advice is provided as well.

Guidance states:

‘Continue to strongly encourage patients to self-examine their breasts and axillae (underarms) for any changes such as lumps, swellings or distortions and to consult their implanting surgeon or GP if they have any concerns.’

Any suspected cases of Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma should be brought to the attention of regulators immediately.

Long-term risks still hard to understand

One of the major issues in the PIP Breast Implant scandal is the difficulty in establishing the long-term risks for victims. We just don’t know until we reach that point in the future where something happens, or doesn’t happen.

The recent growing concerns over breast implants cancer risks is perhaps a greater cause for concern for PIP victims. If the risks are there for legal implants containing medical-grade silicone, it’s understandable to scrutinise the industrial-grade silicone used by the PIP company even more.