Woman who developed uncommon most cancers after breast implants wins payout

  • Susan Axelby decided to have a double mastectomy due to family health fears
  • She was diagnosed with potentially fatal anaplastic large cell lymphoma

A woman who developed cancer linked to her breast implants has received a five-figure payout from the manufacturer.

Susan Axelby, now 66, chose to have a double mastectomy in 1999 due to fears around the high risk of breast cancer in her family.

She was provided with breast implants from Allergan Ltd later that year but experienced multiple issues with them, requiring repeated surgery.

Ms Axelby, from Sheffield, noticed significant swelling and pain around her right implant and was diagnosed with potentially fatal breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in 2018.

It is a form of non-Hodgkinson’s lymphoma which develops in the scar tissue around implants and is believed to be linked with those from Allergan.

Susan Axelby won a five figure sum in her claim against Allergen LTD after it emerged her breast implants were linked to the cancer she developed

She spotted significant swelling and pain around her right implant and was diagnosed with potentially fatal breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma in 2018 (stock image)

These were suspended from the worldwide market in 2018, recalled 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 remain 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.

It is thought that this five-figure settlement is one of the first settlements against Allergan Ltd for BIA-ALCL in the UK.

Ms Axelby said: ‘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.

‘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.’

The UK government website says the majority of BIA-ALCL is diagnosed early and cured by removal of the implants with surrounding scar tissue with no additional cancer treatment required.

However, in a small number of cases further treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy may be required.

Ms Axelby had breast implants following a double mastectomy in 1999, which she chose to do due to fears around the high risk of breast cancer in her family (stock image)

The breast implants from Allergen were suspended from the worldwide market in 2018, recalled in 2019 and are no longer used in the UK (stock image)

Officials say there is no screening tests for the disease and any women who notice any unexpected changes in size, shape or feel of their breasts should see their GP.

Sarah Moore, a partner in Leigh Day’s international group claims department, 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.’