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Women exposed to cancer from breast implants prepare for class action
A manufacturer of breast implants that has been linked to cancer will face thousands of women in a class action.
Naomi Neilson
Shine Lawyers has brought the action against Allergen four years after its products were recalled because of a link between the implants and a likelihood of developing lymphatic cancer.
Joint head of class actions, Vicky Antzoulatos, said some women will also have scarring and disfigurement as a result of implant removal surgery, and others will suffer lifelong health complications.
“It’s horrific that a product like this can be put to market and expose women to such grave risks,” Ms Antzoulatos said.
“These implants were also used for breast reconstruction surgery on women who had already recovered from breast cancer, and this added another layer of illness, far and medical expenses.”
One woman, known only as Sarah, said she spent thousands of dollars removing the implants after a pericarditis diagnosis and found fluid around her heart. Sarah also suffered from headaches, stomach pain, brain job, constant night sweats and sore joints.
“As a preventative measure, I pulled out my super and paid for explant surgery because I knew I had to live for my three girls.
“I went through a horrific ordeal, but I’m one of the lucky ones. My heart breaks for those who developed cancer as a result of this dangerous product,” Sarah said.
Symptoms of BIA-ALCL include sudden swelling due to a build-up of fluid around the implant, pain in a breast or armpit or occasionally a lump or rash around these areas.
“Any woman who has developed BIA-ALCL, is symptomatic, had the implants removed and is or will be out of pocket as a result of removing these implants, should join our class action,” Ms Antzoulatos said.
As part of its claim, Shine Lawyers is investigating the Natrelle saline breast implants, Natrelle highly cohesive anatomically shaped silicon fill, McGhan biodimensional silicone-filled biocell textured breast implants, Natrelle inspira silicone-filled breast implants, Natrelle silicone-filled tissue expander, McGhan magna-site tissue, and the McGhan croissant-shaped tissue expander.
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
