Minister discusses PiP experiences

Public Health Minister Anne Milton on Friday 18 February, met with five women to talk about their experiences with PiP breast implants. They discussed the treatment they had all received so far

A Department of Health spokesperson said: ”It has clearly been a difficult time for them.

“It was a positive conversation and we pledge to work together to ensure women are supported and have good timely information about PiP implants and the department’s position.”

Earlier in the month, the NHS published information on its NHS Choices website for women concerned about French-made PIP breast implants.

The NHS statement said: “Worries about the implants have emerged since news of a major investigation into them in France was widely covered in the media in December 2011.

“It is thought that around 40,000 women in the UK have the implants, with about 95% of them having been provided privately for purely cosmetic reasons.”

The French implants caused global concern after it was revealed they contained industrial silicone rather than medical-grade fillers and that they may be more prone to rupture and leakage.

The NHS also published a list of symptoms to watch for, saying that women who have any of the following signs or symptoms should discuss them with their GP:

• Lumpiness of the breast;
• Lumpiness or swelling in the area around the breast;
• Change in shape of the breast;
• Deflation of the breast;
• Redness;
• Tenderness of the breast;
• Swelling of the breast;
• Pain or sensitivity;

Further details are available on the NHS choices website.