A FYLDE woman who had the controversial soya bean oil breast implants five years ago told yesterday (June 7) of her agony at discovering that she and her small daughter may be at a higher risk of contracting cancer.

Heidi Weber, 34, of St Annes, spoke exclusively to The Citizen about the worries for her and 11-month-old daughter Summer who was born since she had the surgery in 1996.

Heidi said: "I chose Trilucent soya bean implants because I was advised they were the safest option for me as there is a history of breast cancer in the family.

"Now ,they say it could actually trigger cancer and they are advising women not to get pregnant or breast-feed if they have them.

"I can't believe this has happened. I just want to have the implants removed and be replaced with a safer option as soon as possible. And I also want compensation."

Heidi's father paid £2,465 for the operation at Fulwood Hall private hospital after Heidi was referred there by her local GP and her operation was carried out on March 9, 1996.

"I knew something wasn't right not long after my operation," she added. "They were extremely sore and have been ever since the operation. They have also shrunk from a 34C cup to a 34B cup, so I'm sure they have leaked.

"I have experienced constant headaches, mood swings and sickness. I bruise very easily, my legs have swollen and I have suffered with depression which I am certain all stems from having these implants.

"But most worrying of all is that I became pregnant and had my daughter Summer in July 99.

"Luckily I didn't breast-feed her because the implants made it too painful, but she has been constantly ill herself since she has been born.

"I feel I wasn't given the proper information and I would never have chosen Trilucent if I had known all the terrible risks involved." A spokesman for Fulwood Hall Hospital said yesterday: "The hospital will investigate Mrs Weber's claims and will respond to her should she choose to make a formal complaint."

Heidi joins thousands of women across the country who are being advised to have their implants removed amid fears they may trigger cancer and harm unborn babies.

Recipients of the soya-oil based implants are being advised by the Government that they should contact a plastic surgeon and have them removed as a precautionary measure.

The guidance comes from an independent advisory group governed by the Medical Devices Agency (MDA).

AEI Inc, the company responsible for the implants after acquiring the previous owner last year, has agreed a package with the private medical insurance firm Bupa to remove the implants, replace them where requested and provide follow-up care.

A solicitor who has been claiming compensation for women against the manufacturer, said the company had agreed not to dispute liability and to set up a no-fault compensation scheme.

Based on recommendations the MDA has issued the following advice to women:

Trilucent breast implants should be removed.

Women should consult their plastic surgeon to discuss removal of the implants and options for surgery.

There is no information either way on the safety of inserting a different breast implant after removal of Trilucent breast implants.

Women should not plan a pregnancy or breast feed until after the Trilucent breast implants have been removed and should use contraception prior to removal.

A special 24 hour helpline has been set up to give women as much information and advice as is possible on (0800) 0286622.