Women in healthcare professions such as orthopedic surgeons and radiologists are exposed to ionising radiation from x-rays and other imaging procedures. In turn, this may increase their risk of developing breast cancer. Fortunately, adequate radiation protection can reduce this exposure and ultimately, help lower that risk. A recent article published in The BMJ discussed the importance of providing healthcare workers with appropriate protection from radiation.
The authors of the article note that breast tissue is highly sensitive to radiation and that current protective equipment (PPE) does not provide enough protection to the area closest to the armpit, where breast cancer is most commonly found. As such, they suggest providing additional protective equipment such as capped sleeves and axillary wings to shield breast tissue from the ionising radiation. They point out that the European Society for Vascular Surgery recommends that female operators use this extra protection. Furthermore, they emphasize that providing adequate protection is required by law and that employers need to invest in protective equipment to keep all of their workers safe.
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Dr. Isobel Pilkington and the medical professionals from the BMJ article push for better radiation protection for female healthcare workers in an effort to reduce their risk of breast cancer. Dr. Pilkington and her colleagues point to observational studies that suggest female workers in the medical field are at an increased risk of breast cancer and argue in favor of providing adequate upper outer quadrant protection for them. As for male healthcare workers and other individuals exposed to radiation, it is also recommended to maintain doses of radiation as low as reasonably achievable.
