Washington Post Health Section
Interactions

Tuesday, May 9, 2006; HE02

More to Know About Breast Implants

Quick Study is a great resource, but sometimes ["Silicone does not seem to
raise the risk of cancer in women," May 2] important points are missed.

After a successful class action breast implant lawsuit against them, Dow
Corning has funded more than 40 research articles on breast implants. All
include one or more authors from the new study and all conclude that breast
implants are safe. In contrast, researchers who do not have financial
conflicts consistently report implant problems.

Cancer is not the only concern. The National Cancer Institute found a more
than doubling of suicides among women with breast implants compared to other
plastic surgery patients. And a new study in a peer-reviewed chemistry
journal, Analytical Chemistry, found toxic levels of platinum in the breast
milk, urine, hair and nails of women with silicone gel breast implants.
Platinum is used in the manufacture of breast implants.

Diana Zuckerman, PhD

President,

National Research Center for Women & Families

Washington

Editor's Note: The Quick Study report should have noted that the institute
that funded the study has received support from Dow Corning.

------------------------

Los Angeles Times,

To the editor:

As a former congressional investigator who initiated hearings on FDA issues,
I have seen FDA morale rise and fall through the years, but it has certainly
been at an all-time low in recent months. Lack of safeguards and political
interference are not just issues for prescription drugs, however.

As baby boomers near retirement age, their increased reliance on implanted
medical devices also necessitates a permanent commissioner and a focus on
science.

Whatever the FDA is reviewing, long-term safety data are essential.
Unfortunately, such data are rarely required by today's FDA.

In addition, fears about the avian flu should remind us that the FDA needs
to focus its resources on safe and effective vaccines as well. The Plan B
controversy is the tip of the iceberg. All FDA decisions need to be based on
solid science, not ideology or industry pressure. That is true for medical
devices and vaccines as much as for prescription drugs.

DIANA ZUCKERMAN

President

National Research Center

for Women & Families

Washington

www.BreastImplantInfo.org Dr.Zuckerman's website

www.BreastImplantAwareness.org