In 2023, Dr. Isabelle Gaston decided to remove her breast implants due to heightened cancer risks. She advocates for a national registry for breast implants to promptly inform women about related health issues. Her new documentary, titled “Inoffensifs, mes implants ?”, shares her journey and highlights broader concerns regarding breast implant safety.
Breast Implant Safety Concerns
Dr. Gaston, a family physician, had received macro-textured implants from Allergan in 2008. However, she later discovered the potential health risks associated with these implants, including links to cancer. In 2019, Allergan’s implants were removed from the market due to concerns about immune system cancer risks.
Personal Experience and Advocacy
Dr. Gaston learned about these risks by chance, expressing frustration about the lack of communication from medical professionals. “I felt it was unjust not to be informed,” she stated. After experiencing various health issues linked to her implants, she underwent surgery to have them removed in 2023.
Statistics and Current Practices
- Annually, between 8,000 and 8,500 women in Quebec receive breast implants.
- Procedures include reconstructive surgery, aesthetic enhancements, or replacing existing implants.
Currently, Canada lacks a registry to track women with breast implants. Dr. George Emmanuel Salib, president of the Quebec Association of Plastic Surgeons, emphasizes that such a registry would enhance patient safety and research opportunities.
Health Issues Linked to Implants
In her documentary, Dr. Gaston shares that many women associate their health problems with breast implants. Common symptoms reported include fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive difficulties. However, Health Canada does not officially recognize “breast implant disease” as a medical diagnosis at this time.
Future Recognition and Research
Health Canada has established a committee to assess the feasibility of creating a breast implant registry. According to Dr. Jan Willem Cohen Tervaert, an Alberta rheumatologist, the lack of a reliable recall system for faulty implants is puzzling. He believes it is only a matter of time before the connection between breast implants and health issues is widely acknowledged.
Dr. Gaston continues to advocate for informed patient consent, aiming to empower women in their health decisions. Her personal transformation emphasizes the need for better awareness and safety measures in the world of breast augmentation.
