Women with breast implants are at a greater risk of a rare but potentially deadly form of cancer than first thought.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued an update on Tuesday reporting an increased risk associated with textured and polyurethane breast implants and anapaestic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).
Previously the risk was estimated between one in three million to one in 50,000.
The TGA now estimates the risk ranges between one in 10,000 and one in 1000.
The TGA also confirmed 46 cases of breast implant-associated ALCL cases in Australia since 2007, including three that resulted in death.
Australian specialist plastic surgeons (ASAPS) worked closely with the TGA to share this new information and says the disease is still categorised as 'rare' and the TGA does not recommend implant removal.
ALCL is not breast cancer and is highly treatable with most cases cured by removal of the implant and the capsule surrounding the implant, according to the ASAPS.
"While the known risk has increased, we have been aware of the link for some years and have supported a 14-point safety plan, that outlines strategies to minimise bacterial contamination at the time of implant insertion," said ASAPS spokesman Dr Mark Magnusson.
The cancer may be rare but what this information shows is that breast implants are not risk free, says Cancer Council Australia CEO Professor Sanchia Aranda.
She says it appears this potentially deadly form of cancer appears to occur in no other context and greater awareness is needed.
"If you are not planning to avoid implants all together, at least understand what the symptoms of that cancer might be, which is fluid in the breast, and to seek early medication attention for those complications."
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