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Lately there has been a lot of publicity about certain types of breast implant products and possible links to Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma or BIA-ALCL.
This has been in response to a recent review by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of breast implant products in Australia, which has led to new, tighter controls.
We understand that for some women who have breast implants, and for their families and loved ones, the publicity around this issue would naturally be causing anxiety and concern.
This is why it is very important that you have all the information you need to make the right decisions about your health.
Action being taken by the TGA to tighten regulation around these products will ensure:
- product manufacturers and suppliers are held to the highest standards of safety
- clinicians are aware of all the risks of use, and communicate these with their patients
- consumers are able to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing that are right for themselves, their families and their loved ones.
Key outcomes of the review
The key thing to remember is that the incidence rate of BIA-ALCL is very rare.
However, the TGA is taking this regulatory action in order to make sure the small risks associated with breast implant products are tightly managed.
We want tighter controls while we conduct further investigation and monitoring to ensure rigorous oversight of the whole breast implant market, now and into the future.
We have decided to suspend the use of some implants, and put tighter restrictions and requirements on others, while we work to improve safety and address health concerns.
We are requiring suppliers to work harder to assure both the TGA and Australian consumers that their products are acceptably safe to use.
Some products have been temporarily removed from the market pending further monitoring and while sponsors work to meet changed requirements for supply in Australia. This includes providing comprehensive information to clinicians and consumers about the risks associated with certain products.
What you need to do
The TGA recognises that women may decide to get breast implants for a wide range of complex and personal reasons.
It is important that you and your family are as informed as possible as you work through the process of making that decision.
It is very important that women with breast implants feel confident and safe in their choice. We want to be very clear that the TGA’s decision to tighten regulations around some products is about managing associated risks, and making sure you have all the information you need to make the right decision for you.
Following our review, medical advice for all implants is as follows:
- If you have breast implants, and no symptoms, you need to monitor your own health and get regular clinical check-ups, as per the usual process for these kinds of procedures.
- If you begin to develop symptoms, such as itchiness, a rash, swelling or hotness, pain, discomfort or a lump in your breast or armpit, please contact your surgeon or GP (who can refer you to an appropriate surgeon) to determine whether or not removing your implants is advisable.
- If you are considering getting implants, the TGA wants to make sure you are completely informed about risks before you make that decision.
- The risks associated with BIA-ALCL are in fact less than the risks posed by proceeding with any unnecessary surgeries, and this needs to be taken into account when you are considering your options.
Evidence-based advice is that removal of breast implants is NOT required in a person without symptoms.
If you have any other questions or concerns, of course we encourage you to talk to your doctor or surgeon.
Case studies
Michelle’s story
Michelle has breast implants and heard talk on the news about some implants carrying a risk of cancer. It’s made her scared. She felt so positive and confident following the surgery, but now she feels guilty – what if her implants make her sick? What about her family? She starts to panic.
Michelle talks to her husband Paul, and he says, "let’s call our doctor, I’m sure it will be ok." They make an appointment.
Meanwhile Paul does some research.
The risk of BIA-ALCL is very low.
He reads up on the TGA website – the TGA is taking precautionary action.
The advice reiterates: if you have implants, you should have an agreed program of regular check-ups with your doctor, but only need to seek urgent medical advice if you develop symptoms. Even if products are suspended, cancelled or recalled, you only need to take action if you have symptoms.
Symptoms include itchiness, swelling, hotness or discomfort. Paul talks to Michelle about what he’s found out. “If you have no symptoms, there is no need to have implants removed. The risks associated with surgery are greater than any risk of developing BIA-ALCL.”
Paul suggests that they see their GP just in case, as a check-up wouldn’t hurt, and would probably help put Michelle’s mind at ease.
The GP confirms that everything is ok.
Michelle will be vigilant about her implants, check her breasts regularly and will watch for further updates and alerts on the TGA website.
Kylie and her mum
Kylie’s mum got breast implants following her experience with breast cancer. After her mastectomy, she decided that the right thing to do for herself was to have implants to retain her breasts.
Kylie sees on the news that some implants are under investigation by the TGA. Some brands have been cancelled and other brands are suspended while they meet new requirements for reporting, efficacy and safety.
She talks to her mum. "What type of implants did you get, Mum?"
Her mum isn’t sure, so they ring the surgeon’s offices the next day to discuss it with him.
The surgeon tells them that the implants are one of the suspended products. He explains the advice is that it is safer and better to leave them where they are, but to watch out for changes that may be a sign of a health concern.
Kylie’s mum keeps a close eye on her general health and the condition of her breasts just to be on the safe side. Kylie keeps in close contact with her – after the challenge of breast cancer, new risks and worries could have been overwhelming.
To date, Kylie’s mum is doing well; as a family, they appreciate having all the information they need about breast implants and the associated risks.
There have been no problems and no symptoms.
Kylie’s mum is soon to celebrate three years cancer free.
Brenda and Fiona
Brenda got breast implants a couple of years ago.
She had been very happy with the result, but lately she’s noticed sometimes she felt quite itchy and warm around her chest area.
Then on the news one night, she hears a story about how the TGA had suspended a number of breast implant products because of a link to a rare, and highly treatable, cancer.
The advice on the news was that if you do have symptoms like itching or swelling, see your doctor.
She speaks to her partner Fiona, and they decide to make an appointment with their family doctor for the next day.
Their GP orders some imaging such as an ultrasound to check whether there is any cause for concern. The test results show some changes in the tissues around Brenda’s implants.
In consultation with their doctor and the specialist surgeon, Brenda and Fiona decide that the best and safest thing to do is to have Brenda’s breast implants removed.
Luckily the early warning signs of any problem with BIA-ALCL had prompted quick action, which means the chances of being fully cured by surgery alone are excellent. Brenda and Fiona are also glad to find that the operation to remove the implants was partially covered by Medicare, as there was a medical need for the removal.
Today Brenda is in good health, and has the all clear.
Her message to others who might find themselves in the same position: "Don’t panic, but be aware of your body. If you notice any changes, see your doctor."
FAQs
About the TGA
The role of the TGA is to ensure that for every decision you take about your health, you have access to as much information as possible about risks and benefits, so that your decision is an informed decision.
Our job is also to take every step to ensure that medical goods and devices supplied in Australia are of the highest quality, and have the highest level of safety and efficacy possible.
The safety and wellbeing of consumers is our highest priority.
We work in partnership with industry to make sure the medical goods and devices available to Australian consumers are world-class, reliable and safe.
In all cases this means we must take a risk management approach.
The TGA engages a scientific risk management approach to all our regulatory work.
Informing you about new action around breast implant products is to ensure you are as informed as possible about risks and benefits.
