Nassau County Legislator, and Chairwoman of the Health Committee, Rose Marie Walker, joined with County Executive Laura Curran, Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein, Winthrop Medical Center Health Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh, and Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition 1-in-9 President Geri Barish to warn residents about a new health crisis concerning certain types of textured breast implants and their links to a rare cancer.
Previously, these implants were banned by the Canadian Government, and have been recalled by Allergan, one of the leading producers of breast implants. Over ten percent of all breast implants in the US are considered “textured implants.” These textured breast implants have been linked to rare types of cancers, including lymphoma, and are still on the market in the United States despite being banned by several other countries.
400,000 women throughout America get breast implants every year. 100,000 of these implants are considered reconstructive in nature, often after mastectomies are preformed to prevent, or prevent the spread of, breast cancer. About 10 million women worldwide have breast implants. Long Island has one of the state’s highest rates of breast cancer.
Legislator Walker offered the following comment:
“Most of us are aware that Long Island is a hotbed for Breast Cancer. In fact, one in nine Long Island women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. Over 100,000 women receive breast implants as reconstructive surgeries following mastectomies to remove cancerous growths, many others who have had elective surgeries may also have implants. So, when I was made aware that certain textured breast implants have been recalled in two countries, as it was determined that they lead to other cancers... I could not stand idly by. Today, I was proud to hold a press conference to issue a health advisory for local residents on textured breast implants and their link to rare cancers. These textured implants are currently in use in the United States, despite being recently banned in several other countries. Nassau residents deserve to know the facts. Last week, the Canadian Government Banned these textured breast implants and a leading producer Allergen recalled them from the market after they were linked to rare cancers and lymphomas. I urge anyone who is considering an implant to discuss the risks and benefits with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Physician and those who already have these implants should reach out to their Physician as well.”