Susan Axelby, a 68-year-old woman, has issued a stark warning after developing a rare form of cancer linked to her breast implants. Axelby recently received £57,000 in compensation from Allergan Limited, marking one of the first settlements of its kind in the UK related to Allergan implants.
Axelby, who had initially undergone a mastectomy to reduce her risk of inherited breast cancer, later developed breast-implant associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) after receiving implants. Her case highlights the potentially severe risks associated with certain types of breast implants.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has documented at least 106 cases of BIA-ALCL in the UK, involving six different manufacturers. The agency is actively collecting data on affected individuals to better understand the risk.
In her first broadcast interview with BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, Axelby expressed her concern for younger women who may be unaware of the risks. “I’m thinking, not so much me—I’m nearly 70—but there’s young girls, because they wanted breast augmentation, and they’re walking around like timebombs,” she warned. “They have no idea what’s in their body now.”
Axelby received her implants in Sheffield after her mastectomy. Several years later, she noticed swelling and heat in one of the implants. Despite having fluid drained multiple times, the swelling persisted. Eventually, a surgeon diagnosed her with BIA-ALCL, a rare cancer affecting the immune system that can develop around breast implants.
“I was in denial because I’d had my breasts removed to prevent cancer, and now I had cancer again,” Axelby said. The surgeon recommended removing the implants and advised against future implantation. Axelby declined further reconstruction, stating she could not endure the process again.
Currently, Axelby lives without implants, breast tissue, or nipples. This change has significantly impacted her self-esteem and mental health. “There’s actually nothing,” she said. “There’s just a straight line all the way across the top of my body.” She admitted to struggling with anxiety and depression, which have compounded her difficulties.
Axelby’s lawsuit against Allergan was motivated not only by her personal suffering but also by a desire to highlight the risks to others. Allergan settled the claim in October 2023, paying Axelby £57,000 without admitting liability.
Researchers suggest that BIA-ALCL may be triggered by the textured surface of the implants or a bacterial infection. As of December 2023, the estimated incidence of BIA-ALCL in the UK is approximately one case per 14,200 implants sold.
Other affected individuals in the UK are pursuing legal action, and a separate group is seeking compensation on behalf of 60,000 women in the Netherlands. In 2019, Allergan initiated a voluntary global recall of its Biocell textured breast implants and tissue expanders and has ceased production of these types of implants.
The MHRA advises that individuals with breast implants who do not exhibit symptoms of BIA-ALCL do not need to have their implants removed or checked. However, anyone experiencing unusual symptoms, such as swelling around the implant, should consult a doctor.
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