Scientists have been investigating a rare form of cancer occurring adjacent to breast implants (not well-known breast cancer) named Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). This entity gained attention recently when the FDA released a statement. Their information can be found at www.FDA.gov/breastimplants or www.FDA.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm24000.htm

Here is some background information. Early reports date back 25 years and a JAMA article appeared in 2008. Following this the American Society of Plastic Surgeons contracted with the Rand Corporation to do independent evaluation and this information was used by the FDA for its 2011 announcement. The FDA did not change the regulatory status or availability of breast implants.

ALCL occurs in breasts without implants at a rate of 6 women per year in the US (3 in100 million). That makes it 18/millionth the rate of common breast cancer. It also occurs more commonly elsewhere in the body (1 in one