“For the avoidance of any doubt, we wish to confirm our advice to the members of our association in respect of consenting patients regarding breast implants. In March 2015 BAPRAS released a press statement:
  

  “The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) responds to a new study by the French National Cancer Institute, which reports a small risk between Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) and textured breast implants. Nigel Mercer, BAPRAS President and Consultant Plastic Surgeon, said: “ALCL is a very rare condition but we appreciate there will be patients with implants who will want to seek advice and reassurance from their GPs and surgeons. “It is the responsibility of the operating surgeon to ensure that the patient is told verbally and in writing of the risk of ALCL before the procedure so they can make a fully informed decision before going ahead. “BAPRAS continues to advise that any women with breast implants who experience any sudden unexplained changes, lumps or swelling should speak to their GP or their surgeon urgently. However, we maintain that until any further evidence is presented there is no need to remove breast implants as a matter of course. “To help drive patient safety and standards, BAPRAS is working with the Department of Health, iCOBRA (The International Collaboration of Breast Registry Activities), implant manufacturers and providers in the development of a UK breast implant register, which is being piloted”

This was a solitary notification at that time relative to the accumulating but limited scientific evidence about ALCL at that stage. The diagnosis of Breast Implant Associated ALCL was announced in the literature in May 2016 by the World Health Organisation as a new tumour (BLOOD, 19 MAY 2016. VOLUME 127, NUMBER 20), this was not in a mainstream plastic surgery journal. Consequently the first major guidance that BAPRAS endorsed along with ABS and BAAPS was the the guidance issued by the MHRA with effect from 25th July 2018.”