- Susan Axelby decided to have a double mastectomy due to family health fears
- He was diagnosed with life-threatening anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
A woman who developed cancer related to her breast implants has received a five-figure settlement from the manufacturer.
Susan Axelby, now 66, decided to undergo a double mastectomy in 1999 because of fears about the high risk of breast cancer in her family.
Later that year, she was provided with breast implants by Allergan Ltd, but experienced multiple problems with them and required repeat surgery.
Ms Axelby, from Sheffield, noticed significant swelling and pain around her right implant and was diagnosed with life-threatening breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in 2018.
It is a form of non-Hodgkinson lymphoma that develops in the scar tissue around implants and is thought to be related to Allergan implants.
Susan Axelby has won a five-figure sum in her lawsuit against Allergen LTD after it emerged that her breast implants were linked to the cancer she developed.
She reported significant swelling and pain around her right implant and was diagnosed with life-threatening breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma in 2018 (file image)
These were suspended from the global market in 2018, withdrawn from the market in 2019 and are no longer used in the UK.
However, Sarah Moore, a partner at Leigh Day Solicitors, who represented Ms Axelby in her product liability claim against Allergan Ltd, said women who received them remained at risk.
Ms Axelby’s claim was settled and she received compensation from Allergan in November 2023 with no admission of liability, it was revealed yesterday.
This five-figure settlement is believed to be one of the first settlements against Allergan Ltd for BIA-ALCL in the UK.
Ms Axelby said: “My diagnosis of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) was a nightmare. The impact on my life has been very significant.
‘I wanted to take legal action against Allergan to ensure there was some form of accountability.
‘It has been noted that the opinion of experts is that some of these implants cause cancer.
“It is vital that other women are made aware of this and that Allergan Ltd provides them with compensation so that they can take appropriate steps to address their situation.”
The UK government website says most cases of BIA-ALCL are diagnosed early and cured by removing the implants with surrounding scar tissue without the need for further cancer treatment.
However, in a small number of cases additional treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy may be necessary.
Ms Axelby had breast implants fitted after a double mastectomy in 1999, which she decided to do because of fears about the high risk of breast cancer in her family (file image)
Allergen breast implants were suspended from the global market in 2018, withdrawn from the market in 2019 and are no longer used in the UK (file image)
Authorities say there are no screening tests for the condition and any woman who notices any unexpected changes in the size, shape or feel of her breasts should consult her GP.
Sarah Moore, a partner in Leigh Day’s international group claims department, said: ‘I am pleased that we have been able to secure this settlement for Susan and hope that it provides some sort of closure to her difficult experience with Allergan implants.
‘Women with Allergan breast implants remain at risk for developing BIA-ALCL.
‘This risk is reportedly low, however, we remain concerned about the barriers women face, particularly in the private sector, in obtaining a diagnosis of BIA-ALCL.’
