Europe considers implant advice

Silicon implants have been banned in the U.S. since 1992

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- The European Commission is in the final stages of an investigation into the risks associated with breast plants.

The inquiry is aimed at ensuring that women seeking breast enlargement or reconstruction operations are given adequate counselling on the risks before they undergo the surgery.

The recommendations are to be put forward in response to pleas from women's groups in Belgium and Britain.

The EC, who will issue the guidelines within the next four weeks, says it has no plans to seek a ban on silicone implants, which have been outlawed in the U.S. for the last nine years.

Per Haugaard, spokesman for EU Enterprise Commissioner Erkki Liikanen, said: "There is no scientific evidence showing a link between silicone and cancer. We do not think there is justification for banning silicone implants.

"There have been problems in the past. It is important that the patient get as much information as possible," he said.

Safety concerns raised

He said it would be up to national health services in the 15-nation European Union to implement the recommendations.

Haugaard gave no details of the guidelines but European Parliament sources say they will include recommendations that patients seek counselling and a second medical opinion and the creation of national registers of all operations carried out.

Thousands of women have breast implants each year, some to increase the size of their breasts and others for reconstruction after cancer surgery.

Implants are made from materials including silicone, salt water and soya bean oil.

Safety concerns have been raised about the silicone variety although studies to determine whether they are linked to cancer and auto-immune diseases have been inconclusive.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned silicone-gel implants for most women in 1992 because of safety concerns. In the United States, only women participating in studies can receive them.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Food and Drug Administration
Breast Implants Information
Silicone Gel Breast Implants
MEDLINEplus: Breast Implants/Breast Reconstruction
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

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