Publicity, mostly in America, about the safety of silicone implants used in breast reconstruction has worried many breast cancer patients. Now, a government-appointed group of experts has studied the evidence, and has decided that silicone implants carry no particular health risks.

The Independent Review Group on Silicone Gel Breast Implants, to give it its full title, was set up by the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Kenneth Calman, in June 2009, and reported in July this year. The group’s chairman, Professor Roger Sturrock, says, We were very aware of the health concerns of both women with implants and those contemplating surgery. We have considered immense amounts of complex evidence to ensure that we left no stone unturned. They took evidence from women with implants, representatives of women’s support groups, doctors, researchers, lawyers and implant manufacturers, in this country and the USA.

They found no link to suggest that silicone implants could be involved in either of the two suggested long-term problems – arthritis-like conditions and further cancers. Nevertheless, the group will continue to meet to consider any new evidence that may appear. And it has made a number of recommendations to improve the service given to women thinking of having breast implants (see below).

All patients should have free, comprehensive information about the benefits and risks of the surgery. This should include a checklist of questions that should be answered.

Women should be told of the financial implications, and possible future costs. There should be a cooling-off period between the consultation with the surgeon and the operation.

The clinics that carry out these operations should be monitored to make sure they are giving good standards of care.

All implants now have to be recorded with the National Breast Implant Registry.

A steering group is to recommend what further research is needed.