Fw: There is concern that breast implant surgery may damage health ~ BBC

[Guest guest]

From: " Ilena Rose " <ilena@...>

Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2001 12:22 PM

Subject: There is concern that breast implant surgery may damage health ~

BBC

> http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/newsid_1259000/1259846.stm

>

> Wednesday, 4 April, 2001, 10:05 GMT 11:05 UK

> Health warnings call for cosmetic surgery

>

> There is concern that breast implant surgery may damage health

>

> Cosmetic surgery advertisements should carry health warnings, says a

> report by the Commons Health Select Committee.

>

> The MPs say they are " disturbed " at the claims made about cosmetic surgery

> in some advertisements featured in magazines and newspapers.

>

> Committee chairman, Labour MP Hinchliffe said women should " think

> very carefully " before undergoing cosmetic operations.

>

> He was particularly concerned about the dangers to health associated with

> breast implants.

>

> Women should think very carefully before undertaking breast augmentation

> surgery

>

> Hinchliffe, Commons Health Select Committee Mr Hinchliffe said: " The

> committee was disturbed at evidence we received where the end results of

> such surgery had not matched the claims made for these implants in glossy

> advertisements.

>

> " We heard from women who were not just physically damaged as a consequence

> of choosing to have implants but also deeply psychologically scarred by

> what they had gone through. "

>

> Thousands of operations

>

> Around 8,000 women in the UK have breast enlargements each year.

>

> However, many have had their implants removed because of leakages which

> have left them in pain - and possibly at risk of diseases such as cancer.

>

> Mr Hinchliffe said: " I wish to emphasise that women should think very

> carefully before undertaking breast augmentation surgery. "

>

> Last year the government published an information booklet about breast

> implants.

>

> However, the select committee report said the booklet should have clearer

> warnings about the health dangers.

>

> The committee recommends:

>

>

> * advertisements for cosmetic surgery should carry health warnings

> * women should have access to independent advice and counselling

> * a new surveillance system for monitoring any possible side effects of

> breast implants should be set up

>

> Recommendations welcomed

>

> on is head of the pressure group Silicone Support UK.

>

> Lots of girls go to have implants and know nothing about the possible

> complications

>

> on, Silicon Support UK She lost breast tissue, chest

> muscle and lymph nodes when her implant ruptured and had to be removed.

>

> She told BBC News Online that she welcomed the MPs' recommendations, but

> said an age limit of 18 should also be introduced for breast implant

> surgery.

>

> She said: " Breast implants should carry a warning saying that they can

> have serious implications for your health.

>

> " Some of them only last for a few months, before they fold up in your

body.

>

> " Lots of girls go to have implants and know nothing about the possible

> complications. Surgeons do not have to tell them legally. "

>

> Ms on said 68% of women who have had breast augmentation cannot

> breast feed - compared with just 7% of those who have not had the surgery.

>

>

> The European Commission last week announced that it is to issue guidelines

> on the use of silicone breast implants amid fears they can leak and cause

> diseases such as cancer.

>

> Last year, women who had soya-based Trilucent implants were advised by the

> government to have them removed after scores of patients reported problems

> with them.

>

>