Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2000 14:07:36 +1200

-----Original Message-----

From: USSW

Date: Monday, 27 July 1998 16:54

Subject: PLEASE write your letters to the IOM.....

Please don't miss this opportunity to make yourself heard! You have until August 28, 1998 to make a submission. Anyone in litigation needs to check with their lawyers as your letters will be made public. Anyone that hasn't done so please don't let this chance pass you by. Please read on down for the information they would like from you, and other details.

THANKS

USSW

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Document Title 

LETTERS TO THE IOM 

The Institute Of Medicine Committee on the Safety of Silicone Breast Implants is interested in your input on the topics listed below, which will assist the committee by providing a common framework for the collection and Integration of the public response. Your comments may be sent In written form.

1. Your experience with and conclusions about the relationship between silicone breast implants and disease-local or systemic signs and symptoms, autoimmunity, cancer, or other human health conditions.

2. The gaps in knowledge and documented evidence associating silicone breast implants with human health conditions.

3. Your experience with and conclusions about silicone, silicone breast implants or their components and effects on the immune system, and clinical signs and symptoms of an autoimmune disease.

4. Your experience with and conclusions about local complications, such as rupture, gel fluid bleed, granulomas, etc., and their implications for systemic signs and symptoms.

5. Your experience with and conclusions about breast implants, shells, gels, catalysts, or other implant compounds and toxic or carcinogenic effects?

6. How, if at all, might silicone breast implants interfere with mammography? What are the implications for screening, and diagnostic mammography, in particular diagnosis of cancer and focal complications?

7. Any suggestions you have for the committee relating to research needed to address the public and individual health effects of silicone, silicone breast implants or their components.

Thank you for your input!

INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE

National Academy of Sciences

2101 Constitution Avenue, N.W.

BACKGROUND

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has requested the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences to provide an independent review of past and ongoing research on the health effects of silicone breast implants, including (a) what associations between breast implants and various health conditions, if any, are suggested by existing clinical and epidemiological studies, (b) the nature and relative strength of those associations, (c) the quality of the studies, (d) the existence of plausible biological mechanisms to explain suggested associations between breast implants and disease, (e) the uncertainties associated with these kinds of analyses, and (f) suggestions for future research to fill critical knowledge gaps.

TO PROVIDE STATEMENTS TO THE COMMITTEE

Written Statements

· Submit written comments (not more than five pages) by email, fax, or to the address below by August 28, 1998.

· All submissions will be given consideration by the committee, and will be made available to the public. 

Committee on the Safety of Silicone Breast Implants

Institute of Medicine

2101 Constitution Avenue, NW (FO 3101)

Washington, DC 20418

Telephone: 202-334-1359

FAX: 202-334-1463

For further information, please contact Annice Hirt at 202-334-1359.