On June 12, 2024 the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Aesthetic Society released a joint statement about breast implant removal terminology, a statement that is based on very limited data and research about proper removal techniques for breast implant removal. The Global Patient Advocacy Coalition does not support this statement due to the current lack of scientific evidence. In short “we don’t know what we don’t know”. GPAC will continue to monitor ongoing research that is being conducted in an effort to learn more about the health impacts of different methods of breast implan ..read more

Women undergoing breast reconstruction after cancer face severe complications from surgical mesh, echoing the pelvic mesh scandal. Campaigners demand an investigation into its safety, as patients report chronic pain, collapsed implants, and infections. Mesh, often used to support new breast tissue, has left many women in agony, similar to the 170,000 harmed by vaginal mesh. Despite earlier reassurances, complications include implant failure and infections. Mesh is being used as an off-label device. It is not approved for use in the breast by the FDA. Women like Jemma Parker and Jane Stoddart ..read more

Dr. Jan Willem Cohen Tervaert, MD, PhD has earned a well deserved award for his Lifetime Contribution to Autoimmunity. This award is presented as recognition to individuals who have contributed in a significant way to the field of autoimmunity. Dr. Tervaert has specialized in Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Clinical Immunology, and Rheumatology. In 1990, he obtained a PhD (cum laude). The title of his dissertation was: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA): a new class of autoantibodies in vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. Subsequently, he worked as a visiting researcher at Harvard Med ..read more

The American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) convened an expert panel to review the evidence on managing cancer risks associated with breast implants. The panel recommended considering the removal of textured implants, stating it may be reasonable to do so to reduce the risk of a rare cancer. They emphasized shared decision-making between patients and surgeons and highlighted the potential benefits of prophylactic removal, especially for macrotextured implants. The AAPS's recommendations also included the discontinuation of macrotextured implants and the sharing of surveillance data by ..read more

Breast Implant Illness (BII), a condition reported by thousands of women on social media but not officially recognized by the medical community. Despite the lack of recognition, there's a significant movement of women sharing their experiences with BII, advocating for awareness, and pushing for acknowledgment from medical professionals. Heidi Nichole, a resident of Austin, Texas, shares her personal journey with BII, recounting the onset of symptoms years after receiving breast implants. Her experiences led her to connect with others through online support groups, where she found a community ..read more

Breast implant safety concerns continue to be a hot topic on every social media platform. Breast Implant Illness Awareness Day is February 13 and this year Bii survivors flooded social media and the internet with an awareness campaign that reached millions of people. Patients are sharing their journey of health complications with breast implants and their improved health after having the implants removed. The demand for breast implants is the lowest it has been in decades, due to public concerns about systemic illness, autoimmune diseases, and multiple cancers that are associated with breast ..read more

Breast Implant manufacturer Sientra has filed for bankruptcy as demands for breast implants continue to decline. A recent court filing shows Sientra is $172 million in debt. Patients are concerned that history will repeat itself with a manufacturer going out of business and leaving patients without a warranty. The company has indicated intentions to honor warranties. Time will tell. Stay tuned for more updates ..read more

GPAC is thrilled to announce a new resource that is part of the global movement for the support and education for breast cancer. Learn Look Locate was created to help educate and empower people globally about critical information regarding their breast health. This organization connects physicians and survivors regarding breast cancer education, community outreach, social media, and innovative breast cancer research and treatment options. Discover comprehensive information addressing a broad spectrum of breast cancer-related topics, encompassing prevention strategies, diagnostic approaches, t ..read more

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is a not-for-profit alliance of 33 national leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care so all patients can live better lives. NCCN publishes best practice guidelines for clinicians and comprehensive information about treatment and surgical options for patients. GPAC is honored to be listed as a resource on the NCCN Patient Resource Page for Advocacy and Support Groups. Working together with esteemed organizations s ..read more

Individuals with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) are facing challenges obtaining health insurance coverage. BIA-ALCL is a form of cancer that affects the immune system, with a specific type called breast implant-associated ALCL (BIA-ALCL) emerging in relation to textured breast implants. While BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer, it is associated with textured breast implants. In other words, this is "breast implant" cancer or as others have called it, a "man-made" cancer. Treatment for BIA-ALCL differs from standard lymphoma treatments and follows standardized guidelines. The early-stage dis ..read more