Victorians who have undergone breast implant or breast reconstructive procedures in Australia or overseas are being encouraged to watch for early symptoms of a rare form of cancer which targets the immune system.
Minister for Health, Martin Foley said 16 Victorians had been diagnosed with Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), connected to surgeries dating back to 2004.
“The chance of developing this rare form of cancer is low and depending on the type of implant the risk ranges from one in 2,500 for the most highly textured implants, to one in 83,000 for the less graded textured implants,” Mr Foley said.
“The risk in highly textured implants is around 23 times greater than for smooth implants,” he said.
“On average, the cancer is diagnosed eight years after surgery, but symptoms can arise anywhere between three and 14 years after surgery.”
Mr Foley said people who had undergone breast implant or breast reconstructive surgery should regularly check their breasts for lumps or unexplained swelling on one side.
The Minister said patients should see their doctor immediately if they noticed anything different as the cancer was highly curable when diagnosed and treated early.
“Removing the implants is not recommended as the risk of undergoing surgery could be higher than the risk of developing the cancer,” he said.
“Anyone considering breast implants should talk to their surgeon about the associated risks and which implants are considered safer.”
Mr Foley said the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) had suspended the use of a number of breast implants and tissue expanders following an investigation into their link with BIA-ALCL.
He said people who wanted further information should contact the Victorian patient line on (03) 9902 0077 during business hours Monday to Friday; see their GP; or visit the TGA’s BIA-ALCL consumer hub website
The TGA’s consumer hub website can be accessed at this PS News link and a BIA-ALCL fact sheet from Victoria’s Better Health Channel at this link.
