The Therapeutic Goods Administration has released a report outlining the 51 Australian cancer cases linked to breast implants since 2007, including three women who have died.
The cancer linked to breast implants is a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).
The FDA reports that there have been 359 cases of ALCL following breast implants in the US, including nine deaths.
Smh.com.au reports that breast implant-associated ALCL was officially recognised by the World Health Organisation in 2016, with the TGA and FDA working together to evaluate the risks.
“If you notice enlargement or swelling of one or both breasts, or a lump, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible,” says the TGA. Lumps or swelling can appear in the breast or armpit.
According to a TGA expert panel comprising surgeons, data analysts and cancer researches, the risk estimate for breast implant-associated ALCL ranges from one in 1000 to one in 10,000.
The Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery Journal will soon publish a study of Australian and New Zealander breast implant recipients, smh.com.au reports.
In most cases, the cancer can be treated simply by removing the implant, however in a small number of cases it can prove fatal.
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