French study links breast implants and rare cancer

Published: 21-Jul-2016

ANSM issues warning on Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma to women with implants

Breast implants are facing another safety scare after a French medicine regulator issued a warning about a suggested link between implants and a rare type of cancer.

France’s regulatory body ANSM has issued a warning about Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). It has given implant manufacturers 12 months to prove that their products are safe for use or face a ban.

The development comes after a group of experts at the National Cancer Institute (Inca) confirmed that there was a “clear link” between ALCL and breast implants in March 2015. However, despite this the overall risk of developing ALCL remains low as it is a very rare form of cancer.

ALCL is thought to be linked to bacteria found on implants. Women who have breast implants are advised to look out for symptoms of the disease. The cancer affects the body’s lymphatic system and is said to be treatable with an early diagnosis.

The US regulatory body already recommends that women should be informed about the link ahead of surgery. In a statement, the FDA said: “All of the information to date suggests that women with breast implants may have a very low but increased risk of developing ALCL.”

Estimates suggest that 250 women across the world have been affected by ALCL relating to breast implants. 18 of these women were in France. The ANSM said it will be sharing its findings with health authorities across Europe.

The UK’s MHRA is said to be analysing the data from the ANSM and has advised women to look out for signs of the disease. In 2014 it said three women with breast implants in the UK had reported developing ALCL. It said that it would continue to consult with healthcare and professionals and other sources about the problem “in order to build a fuller picture”.

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