A 66-year-old woman from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, has secured a substantial settlement from Allergan Ltd after developing a rare form of cancer attributed to the company’s breast implants. Susan Axelby, who had the implants following double mastectomies in 1999 due to familial cancer risks, was diagnosed with Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in 2018. This type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is linked to Allergan’s implants, which have since been withdrawn from the market.
Despite enduring numerous complications and painful symptoms that began around her right implant, Axelby only received her diagnosis after years of suffering. In 2018, the same year she was diagnosed, Allergan’s implants were globally suspended and fully recalled in the UK by 2019.
Axelby reached a settlement with Allergan in November 2023, though the company did not admit liability. She highlighted the need for greater awareness about the risks associated with breast implants and the profound effect the diagnosis has had on her life.
“My diagnosis with BIA-ALCL was a nightmare,” Axelby stated. “The impact on my life has been very significant. I wanted to take legal action against Allergan to ensure that there was some form of accountability.”
In addition, Axelby emphasized the importance of informing other women about the potential risks and ensuring that Allergan provides appropriate compensation. “It has been seen to be the view of experts that some of these implants cause cancer. It is crucial that other women are made aware of this and that Allergan Ltd provides compensation so that they can take relevant steps to address their position.”
Sarah Moore, a partner in the international group claims department at Leigh Day, who represented Axelby, also issued a warning about the risks associated with Allergan implants.
“I am pleased that we were able to achieve this settlement for Susan and hope that it will provide some form of closure for her in respect of her difficult experience with Allergan implants,” Moore said. “Women with Allergan breast implants remain at risk of developing BIA-ALCL.”
Moore expressed concern over the obstacles women face in obtaining a BIA-ALCL diagnosis, particularly in the private sector. “While the risk is reportedly low, early diagnosis is crucial for improved survival and outcomes. Leigh Day continues to assist women who have struggled to get a diagnosis of BIA-ALCL and appropriate treatment. Despite growing awareness, it is troubling that some clinicians, especially in the private sector, may still be unaware of the symptoms of ALCL.”
The settlement highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of breast implants and the need for heightened awareness and accountability in the medical field.
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