Breast Implants And The Dirt Committee

The Dow Corning case raised serious questions about the safety of silicone breast implants and about larger issues of medical device testing and patient education. Safety of Silicone Breast Implants presents a well-documented, thoughtful exploration of the safety of these devices, drawing conclusions from the available research base and suggesting further questions to be answered. This book also examines the sensitive issues surrounding women's decisions about implants. In reaching conclusions, the committee reviews: The history of the silicone breast implant and the development of its chemistry. The wide variety of U.S.-made implants and their regulation by the Food and Drug Administration. Frequency and consequences of local complications from implants. The evidence for and against links between implants and autoimmune disorders, connective tissue disease, neurological problems, silicone in breast milk, or a proposed new syndrome. Evidence that implants may be associated with lower frequencies of breast cancer. Safety of Silicone Breast Implants provides a comprehensive, well-organized review of the science behind one of the most significant medical controversies of our time.

"Health Canada regulates breast implants as class IV medical devices, the category representing the highest risk. Breast implants are associated with a wide range of adverse effects, including a type of cancer of the immune system known as "breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma." For decades, the federal government has been called upon to make regulatory changes to enhance the safety of breast implants, yet important gaps remain in the oversight of these devices. Breast implant recipients continue to be insufficiently protected from adverse outcomes. The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health undertook a study to follow up on the improvements put in place as part of Health Canada's 2018 action plan on medical devices, as well as to assess the feasibility of the creation of a central breast implant registry. The committee heard strong support from plastic surgeons, researchers and patient advocates for the creation of a national breast implant registry. Such a registry would improve the traceability of implants, facilitate recalls and advance research related to breast implants"--Summary.

When the Institute of Medicine began their comprehensive study of the safety of silicone breast implants, they heard directly from many women who suffer severe systemic illnesses. This guide provides vital information for women who have had implants or are considering them. It helps them to learn the risks and the facts.