UK not advising removal of suspect breast implants

Britain said on Friday it was not following the French recommendation that women seek removal of breast implants made of a suspect silicone gel exported worldwide.  

"Women with PIP implants should not be unduly worried. We have no evidence of a link to cancer or an increased risk of rupture," Chief Medical Officer Sally Davies said.  

"While we respect the French government's decision, no other country is taking similar steps because we currently have no evidence to support it. Because of this, and because removing these implants carries risk in itself, we are not advising routine removal of these implants," she added.  

The now-defunct French company Poly Implant Prothese SA (PIP) produced about 100,000 implants a year before its product was ordered off the market early last year.      

"The Secretary of State has been liaising with his French counterpart, and the MHRA is in contact with the French regulatory agency," Davies said.    

"Our experts will continue to examine any further evidence from France and across the world on this issue, and will keep this situation under close review."  

Reuters