Jill Spence

The National is an excellent news program that gives short and informative information on current topics. Unfortunately, I have now experienced how much their hands have been tied behind their backs regarding the completeness of their broadcast information. Earlier this week, they had an article on the recall of Breast Implants that is affecting a significant number of cancer victims (and others) worldwide. These implants were used to improve the destructive nature of mastectomies and improve the mental and physical view of cancer patients. These rough textured implants can lead to lymphoma - another form of cancer - and has led to death in some cases. Thank you, National, for reporting the actual increase in the number of cases of reaction to these implants above the numbers published by Health Canada. Thank you to those ladies interviewed in this article. Your candour was more than appreciated. But... what was not shown was the mental confusion and anxiety caused by Health Canada and their letters sent to patients who had received these implants. Health Canada does not recommend having the implants removed. Ok, so why not? Each implant does have a max life that does not match the expected lifetime of the patient. If the implant can lead to health issues, as small or great that might mean, does Health Canada understand that the cancer patient does not want to continue fighting the possibilities of a recurrence? Currently, if the patient wants to have their implants removed, it is at the cost of the patient. Really? By not advising patients to have their implants removed and quite possibly extending their lives further, Health Canada is doing nothing to support the patient's right to live a full life without mental anxiety. I will have my implants removed. Shame on you to the manufacturers of these implants as well. You are not being held accountable for the anxiety either. Nor have you stepped forward to pay for the wrong done to unassuming people worldwide. I will not mention who the manufacturers are but.... stepping forward with a fund for patients to Improve their situation would be the right thing to do. Don't you think? Health Canada ... stepping forward and supporting your citizens with medical aid would be the right thing to do. Don't you think? Maybe no one thought of the people these implants affected.