Breast implant rare cancer risk, Gemma Arterton, Nonna’s cookbook
Sep 4, 2024
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Gemma Arterton, an actress known for her compelling roles, discusses her new series 'Funny Woman,' which tackles women's voices in 1960s comedy. Susan Axelby shares her harrowing journey with cancer linked to breast implants, alongside lawyer Sarah Moore who highlights the wave of legal actions against manufacturers like Allergan. They emphasize the emotional toll on women and the need for safety reforms. Additionally, Giuseppe and his Nonna talk about their viral cooking adventures and their first cookbook, celebrating family and Italian cuisine.
The podcast reveals alarming links between textured breast implants and a rare cancer, emphasizing the need for awareness among women.
Gemma Arterton discusses the importance of women's representation in media and her commitment to promoting gender parity in filmmaking.
Giuseppe and Nonna Mariana's cooking journey highlights the power of food in connecting generations and preserving cultural heritage.
Deep dives
Impact of Breast Implants on Health
A concerning investigation highlights the health risks associated with textured breast implants, specifically the link to a rare type of cancer known as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). These implants, manufactured by Allergan, were recalled after numerous reports, yet many women were unaware of the risks, leading to serious health implications. One individual, Susan Axelby, who developed BIA-ALCL, shared her harrowing experience that began with a preventative mastectomy. Her story demonstrates the devastating impact this condition has not only on physical health but also on mental wellbeing, including anxiety and depression.
Legal Ramifications and Class Action Suits
The legal landscape surrounding breast implant cases is shifting, particularly in the Netherlands, where a significant class action lawsuit involving 60,000 women is underway against Allergan. This action enables those who fear they may develop BIA-ALCL to seek compensation, even if they do not currently have the condition. However, in the UK, the lack of similar collective legal frameworks limits the options available to women, often requiring them to pursue individual claims, which can be a daunting task. Legal representatives emphasize the importance of swift diagnosis and treatment, as there are time limitations on bringing claims against manufacturers.
Understanding BIA-ALCL and Its Symptoms
BIA-ALCL presents with specific symptoms that women with textured breast implants should monitor closely. The most common signs include sudden swelling in one breast, which may occur years after implant placement, indicating the development of this rare type of cancer. Experts speculate that various factors, including chemicals in the implant's surface, may contribute to the increased cancer risk. Additionally, healthcare professionals advise that women familiarize themselves with these symptoms and seek medical advice if any changes occur.
Cultural Insight and Generational Cooking
The podcast also features inspiring stories of family dynamics through cooking, highlighted by Giuseppe Federici and his grandmother, Nonna Mariana. Their collaboration on social media showcases traditional Italian recipes that celebrate plant-based ingredients, emphasizing the importance of familial relationships built through cooking. Their journey from kitchen to social media stardom illustrates how food can connect generations, with Nonna sharing her culinary wisdom while adapting to contemporary dietary trends. This relationship echoes the sentiment that food is a powerful medium for expressing love and preserving cultural heritage.
Challenges and Progress in Representation
Discussions around representation and feminism in the entertainment industry surface through interviews with prominent figures. Actress Gemma Arterton reflects on the evolving portrayal of women in media, noting the challenges women still face regarding representation behind the camera. Through their production company, she and her associates are committed to promoting gender parity in filmmaking, tackling the inherent difficulties of achieving balance in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Their efforts highlight the pressing need for inclusive representation that extends beyond mere tokenism in the arts.
We hear about the thousands of women suing the breast implant manufacturer Allergan over alleged links with a rare cancer. We have an exclusive interview with a woman who has received a payout from the company after falling sick. Susan Axelby tells our reporter Melanie Abbott that she ended up being diagnosed with cancer after having an operation which was supposed to prevent it. Plus, Nuala McGovern is joined by lawyer Sarah Moore to go over details of the case and reveal whether more women in the UK are likely to take action. And Professor Suzanne Turner from Cambridge University will discuss her research into this cancer and give advice to women who have implants, including the fact that the numbers diagnosed are small and it is treatable.
Actor and producer Gemma Arterton returns to our screens this week for the second season of Funny Woman, which tells the story of Sophie, a comedian trying to forge a path for women’s voices in the male-dominated world of 1960s comedy. Gemma joins Nuala to tell her about the series and her own passion for getting women’s voices heard.
Giuseppe and his Nonna, Marianna, have been making social media content together since 2021, sharing videos of them making food inspired by Nonna’s Italian home cooking, but vegan. Giuseppe and Marianna join Nuala to discuss their relationship, how Nonna found social media fame in her 80s, and their first cookbook Cooking with Nonna.
Presenter: Nuala McGovern
Producer: Maryam Maruf
Editor: Deiniol Buxton
Studio Manager: Gayl Gordon
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