A 66-year-old woman has won a substantial settlement from Allergan Ltd after developing a rare cancer caused by breast implants. Susan Axelby, who had the implants following double mastectomies in 1999 due to familial cancer risks, encountered a “nightmare” when diagnosed with Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a form of non-Hodgkinson’s lymphoma connected to the now-withdrawn Allergan products.
Despite numerous complications over the years and painful symptoms that began around her right implant, it was not until 2018 that she received the devastating diagnosis. The same year, Allergan’s implants were suspended globally and later fully recalled in the UK by 2019.
Susan, residing in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, settled her case against Allergan in November 2023 without the firm admitting liability. However, she emphasised the importance of women being informed about the risks associated with these implants, reflecting on the tremendous impact the ordeal had on her life.
Susan stated: “My diagnosis with BIA-ALCL was a nightmare. 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.”
She added: “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 provide 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 Susan, also issued a stark warning about the risks faced by women with these implants.
She said: “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.
“Women with Allergan breast implants remain at risk of developing BIA-ALCL.”
“This risk is reportedly low, however, we continue to be concerned about the obstacles women face, particularly in the private sector, in obtaining a BIA-ALCL diagnosis. As with any cancer early diagnosis can be key to improved survival and outcomes.
“Leigh Day continue to assist women who have had to battle to get a diagnosis of BIA-ALCL and appropriate surgery and treatment. Despite growing awareness of BIA-ALCL across patient groups it is worrying that some clinicians, particularly in the private sector, appear to be unaware of the symptoms of ALCL.
“We urge anyone who has been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL and who wishes to explore the possibility of legal action to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Allergan’s parent company, AbbVie, has been approached for a statement.