The removal of tens of thousands of risky breast implants has been recommended by France’s health minister after reports of rupturing were given from around Europe and in South American. According to the Associated Press, Health Minister Xavier Bertrand said the removal recommendation was a “preventive” measure only and not urgent, though France’s state healthcare system would pay for removal if desired.
“As a preventive measure not of an urgent nature, [French authorities] recommend that the removal of these implants, even those not showing signs of deterioration, be proposed,” said a statement from Bertrand.
So far, many reports of rupturing and nine cases of cancer have been associated with women who have received the implants. The AP noted, however, that no proven link has been found between the implants and incidence of cancer.
If many women decide to have their implant removed, it could cost the French government an estimated $78 million, said national health service official Francois Godineau. The major expenditure comes at an already volatile time when the country faces a review of its credit rating and stands on the brink of a recession, the AP said.
British authorities have declined to take similar action, although more women in the U.K. received the implants than in France. The implants were also sold in Italy, Spain, Portugal and other countries around Europe and South America. They were not sold in the United States.
