Who pays for the research influences the outcome -- and lack of safeguards for implants

[Guest guest]

--- Zuckerman <dz@...> wrote:

> From: " Zuckerman " <dz@...>

> <ifriends@...>

> Subject: who pays for the research influences the

> outcome -- and lack of safeguards for implants

> Date: Thu, 18 May 2006 09:55:30 -0400

>

>

> Dear Friends,

>

> We were glad to have a letter to the editor

> published in the Washington Post health section.

> They had a short article describing a new study that

> concluded that breast implants aren't linked to

> cancer. We pointed out that the study was one of 40

> funded by the major silicone manufacturer in

> America, all of which concluded that silicone

> implants are safe. We also pointed out new,

> independently funded research that shows reason for

> concern.

>

> We also had a letter to the editor published in the

> LA Times, in response to an excellent article about

> the lack of safeguards for prescription drugs. We

> pointed out that the same safeguards are lacking for

> medical implants and vaccines.

>

> Best wishes,

>

>

> Zuckerman, Ph.D.

> President

> National Research Center for Women & Families

> 1701 K Street, NW, Suite 700

> Washington, DC 20006

> (202) 223-4000

> www.center4research.org

>

> Remember us when you donate to United Way or CFC --

> we're # 9884

>

> Washington Post Health Section

> Interactions

>

> Tuesday, May 9, 2006; HE02

>

>

> More to Know About Breast Implants

>

> Quick Study is a great resource, but sometimes

> [ " Silicone does not seem to raise the risk of cancer

> in women, " May 2] important points are missed.

>

> After a successful class action breast implant

> lawsuit against them, Dow Corning has funded more

> than 40 research articles on breast implants. All

> include one or more authors from the new study and

> all conclude that breast implants are safe. In

> contrast, researchers who do not have financial

> conflicts consistently report implant problems.

>

> Cancer is not the only concern. The National Cancer

> Institute found a more than doubling of suicides

> among women with breast implants compared to other

> plastic surgery patients. And a new study in a

> peer-reviewed chemistry journal, Analytical

> Chemistry, found toxic levels of platinum in the

> breast milk, urine, hair and nails of women with

> silicone gel breast implants. Platinum is used in

> the manufacture of breast implants.

>

> Zuckerman, PhD

>

>

> President,

>

> National Research Center for Women & amp; Families

>

>

> Washington

>

>

>

> Editor's Note: The Quick Study report should have

> noted that the institute that funded the study has

> received support from Dow Corning.

>

> ------------------------

>

> Los Angeles Times,

>

> To the editor:

>

> As a former congressional investigator who initiated

> hearings on FDA issues, I have seen FDA morale rise

> and fall through the years, but it has certainly

> been at an all-time low in recent months. Lack of

> safeguards and political interference are not just

> issues for prescription drugs, however.

>

> As baby boomers near retirement age, their increased

> reliance on implanted medical devices also

> necessitates a permanent commissioner and a focus on

> science.

>

> Whatever the FDA is reviewing, long-term safety data

> are essential. Unfortunately, such data are rarely

> required by today's FDA.

>

> In addition, fears about the avian flu should remind

> us that the FDA needs to focus its resources on safe

> and effective vaccines as well. The Plan B

> controversy is the tip of the iceberg. All FDA

> decisions need to be based on solid science, not

> ideology or industry pressure. That is true for

> medical devices and vaccines as much as for

> prescription drugs.

>

> DIANA ZUCKERMAN

>

> President

>

> National Research Center

>

> for Women & Families

>

> Washington

>

>

>

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/letters/la-le-saturday6.1may06,0,2525215.sto\

ry?coll=la-news-comment-letters

>

>