Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
The Implants Used To Rebuild Her Chest After She Had Her Breasts Removed Gave Her Cancer
The New York Times: A Shocking Diagnosis: Breast Implants ‘Gave Me Cancer’
Raylene Hollrah was 33, with a young daughter, when she learned she had breast cancer. She made a difficult decision, one she hoped would save her life: She had her breasts removed, underwent grueling chemotherapy and then had reconstructive surgery. In 2013, six years after her first diagnosis, cancer struck again — not breast cancer, but a rare malignancy of the immune system — caused by the implants used to rebuild her chest. (Grady, 5/14)
The New York Times: What You Need To Know If You Have Breast Implants
Nearly every case of the rare cancer that has been linked to breast implants — anaplastic large-cell lymphoma — involves those with a textured surface, not a smooth one, and most implants in the United States are smooth. The Food and Drug Administration says women with implants who are not experiencing any problems with them should stick to routine care, and do not need to have the implants removed. But symptoms like breast pain, swelling, fluid buildup or lumps should not be ignored. (Grady, 5/14)
