We’re in the News: BISA & Survivors Bring Fight Over Cancer Linked to Breast Implants to Tampa
A documentary crew from Montreal film company Productions J film members of the Breast Implant Safety Alliance at in Tampa. The nonprofit wants a ban on textured breast implants that have been linked to a form of cancer. Credit: Christopher O'Donnell of Tampa Bay Times
Survivors of a cancer associated with breast implants, Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) gathered in Tampa, Florida to advocate for a ban on textured implants, stronger cancer warnings, and national cancer reporting. Many were diagnosed years after being told implants were safe. The article, published by the Tampa Bay Times, highlights the urgent calls for reform and features the work of the Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA) and other advocates fighting for informed consent and accountability.
What is BIA-ALCL?
Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon but serious type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (a cancer of the immune system) that develops in the scar tissue and fluid surrounding breast implants. It is not breast cancer but a form of T-cell lymphoma linked primarily to textured breast implants.
More on BIA-ALCL
A Few Things the Public Should Know
Not all healthcare providers are trained to recognize BIA-ALCL and many doctors are still not aware of BIA-ALCL. Some may dismiss symptoms as “normal” implant issues.
Implants associated with these cancers still remain on the market today.
Patients carry a lifetime risk even if they have had these implants removed.
Informed consent is crucial for women considering breast implant patients.Long-term safety data and post-market surveillance is still needed.
Women need to self advocate and ask for referrals to specialists familiar with BIA-ALCL.
Public awareness is needed to help raise awareness of BIA-ALCL symptoms and diagnosis.
Looking for Support for BIA-ALCL?
Patients often have difficulty finding support when facing a diagnosis of BIA-ALCL. BISA’s Jennifer Cook is a dedicated patient advocate, survivor, and lead administrator of the largest BIA-ALCL Support Group. After her own diagnosis, Jennifer turned her experience into a mission to educate, support, and empower others facing BIA-ALCL. Through her online support community, she provides critical resources, guidance on diagnosis and treatment, and a compassionate space for patients to connect. Jennifer’s unwavering commitment continues to help patients navigate their journeys while ensuring that no one faces BIA-ALCL alone and can be found on Facebook as Jennifer Roth and contacted via email at jennifer.cook@bisanonprofit.org.
BISA Approved BIA-ALCL Support Group
Resources & References
Tampa Bay Times: Survivors bring fight over cancer linked to breast implants to Tampa
Tampa Bay Times coverage of BIA-ALCL survivors and the growing movement for FDA accountability.
FDA: BIA-ALCL
Official FDA resource outlining the known risks, symptoms, and diagnosis of BIA-ALCL.
FDA Warning on Breast Implants
6th World Consensus Conference on BIA-ALCL
About BIA-ALCL
Everything you need to know about breast implant cancer BIA-ALCL including symptoms and additional resources.
BISA: Save the Date: 6th World Consensus Conference on BIA-ALCL in April 2025
Patient Education Session from the 5th WWC on BIA-ALCL
Shaping Tomorrow: Perspectives on the Future of BIA-ALCL
Breast Implant Cancer with Jennifer Cook, BISA’s Director of BIA-ALCL Advocacy
BISA Approved Support Group: ALCL in Women with Breast Implants
Jennifer Cook serves as the lead administrator for women facing BIA-ALCL
BISA: 5th World Consensus Conference on BIA-ALCL: Recap and Major Takeaways
BISA recaps the most recent information on breast implant cancers.
BISA Responds to Statements on Explant Recommendation for Textured Breast Implants
Read why it can be deemed reasonable to remove textured implants to potentially reduce the risk of BIA-ALCL.
The Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA) is the largest organization of board-certified patient advocates and subject matter experts in the world dedicated to patient and consumer safety relating to breast implants. Representing the millions of individuals worldwide that currently have, had, or are considering breast implants, the alliance is a non-industry funded leading authority dedicated to providing balanced, evidence-based information for informed decision making about breast implant surgery and related issues. Founded in 2019 by women, BISA is a grassroots nonprofit organization led by volunteers who do not receive a salary for their work.
For questions, please contact Jennifer Cook, Director of BIA-ALCL Advocacy. Email her directly at jennifer.cook@bisanonprofit.org.