UK opposes breast implant removal

Wednesday December 28th, 2011

British regulators have refused to support the removal of breast implants, classified as dangerous in France.

The French government has agreed to pay for removal of the PIP implants for French women - but the decision by British regulators means the NHS will not conduct the removals.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said no other country is supporting removal.

A statement said: "They all agreed that there was no evidence of any increase in incidents of cancer associated with PIP breast implants and no evidence of any disproportionate rupture rates other than in France."

The MHRA said it was waiting for evidence from France to support its decision.

The MHRA said: "We recognise the concern that some women who have these implants may be feeling but we currently have no evidence of any increase in incidents of cancer associated with these implants and no evidence of any disproportionate rupture rates other than in France.

"We therefore do not believe that the associated risks of surgery from breast implant removal can be justified without further evidence."

Chief medical office Dame Sally Davies promised to brief GPs on the problem.

She said: “While we respect the French Government’s decision, no other country is taking similar steps because we currently have no evidence to support it. Because of this, and because removing these implants carries risk in itself, we are not advising routine removal of these implants."

Tags: Cancer | Europe | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology

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