Cancer victims to sue over textured breast implants

TWENTY women are to take legal action after developing cancer linked to textured breast implants. Surgeons said victims had been treated almost as “human guinea pigs” without being informed of the risks.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which regulates medical devices in the UK, is collecting data on women affected by BIA-ALCL – breast implant associated an a plastic large cell lymphoma – a rare cancer of the immune system thought to affect one in 24,000 implants sold.

More than 50 women have been diagnosed with the condition in the UK, and hundreds more worldwide.

One manufacturer, Allergan, has issued a global recall of some textured implants linked to most cases of breast implant-associated lymphoma.

Linzy Bromfield, 50, paid for breast augmentation in 2005 but 13 years later found one breast so swollen she was unable to wear her bra. She was later diagnosed with the disease.

Ms Bromfield, who is suing the manufacturer, had the implants removed and has been free of disease since.

Nigel Mercer, chairman of an advisory group of surgeons monitoring cancer cases for the MHRA, said women were not being given enough information about the risks of implants.

He told the BBC: “There are unknowns with any implant but it does mean we are using our entire population as human guinea pigs, almost.”

Allergan said safety was a priority and it would support informative labelling “to promote the safest use of breast implant products”. Women with textured implants have been advised to consult their GP if they have any concerns.