Medical professionals are worried. According to results from a new study, the standard equipment that protects healthcare workers from ionizing radiation may not be enough. This raises the risk of these workers developing breast cancer due to ionizing radiation, a known carcinogen.
Female healthcare workers are more likely to develop cancer from radiation exposure. This is because breast tissue is more sensitive to radiation. This makes them more vulnerable to the risks.
Medical professionals often use lead gowns and other PPE to protect themselves from radiation exposure during medical procedures. However, recent studies have identified an issue with presently used protective gear. It does not protect the upper outer quadrant and the axilla enough. These are areas where breast cancer is more likely to occur.
Isobel Pilkington and her colleagues recognize the difficulty of calculating radiation-induced breast cancer risk in female healthcare workers. As these professionals grow, it is essential to consider the available evidence and improve equipment provision. This will help to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Research suggests female orthopedic surgeons in the US have a higher risk of breast cancer than those of the same age. This increased risk is thought to be partially due to the exposure to radiation that comes with the profession. In addition, a study from Finland in 2014 showed that radiation exposure increases the risk of breast cancer among female physicians. This further demonstrates the link between radiation and breast cancer.
The study revealed a higher rate of breast cancer among female physicians working in fields such as radiologists, surgeons, and cardiologists. This rate was 1.7 times higher than expected for female physicians not working with radiation. More research is needed to confirm the link between radiation and an increased risk of breast cancer in female physicians. In addition, we need to understand the potential mechanisms behind this risk.
One study was conducted using artificial female torsos to measure radiation exposure. The results showed that the standard protective clothing did not provide enough protection in the upper outer quadrant of the torso.
The radiation dose recorded in the protected torso was not significantly lower than that recorded in an unprotected torso. This indicates that the protective clothing provided insufficient protection against radiation. This suggests that further research is needed to develop new protective clothing that can effectively reduce radiation exposure in this area.
Radiation exposure has not been linked to a heightened risk of male breast cancer. Nonetheless, the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 mandate that workers be exposed to the lowest amount of radiation feasible.
The European Society for Vascular Surgery recommends that female operators wear extra protective garments. This includes capped sleeves and axillary wings. These garments provide additional protection to the upper outer area of the breast.
Businesses have a responsibility to look after their staff. They must ensure safety measures are in place for anyone exposed to radiation. These measures should especially focus on guarding the female breast, which is particularly sensitive. To this end, employers should invest in the necessary protective gear to ensure the safety of their personnel.
References
[i] Isobel Pilkington, Hannah Sevenoaks, Emily James, Deborah Eastwood, Protecting female health workers from ionising radiation at work (Apr. 12, 2023)
[ii] Chou LB, Increased breast cancer prevalence among female orthopedic surgeons (2012)
