BS RT

The danger, as revealed by research studies, is for female breast cancer :) Since most of the radiation absorbed by OR personnel comes from the patient in the form of scatter radiation, it is very important i.e. the table height; hence the patient, is much closer to breast height than male anatomical appendages!:kiss Seriously, any female working around image guided procedures is at increased risk for breast cancer due to occupational exposure and should bear the slight extra weight to protect her breast tissue. It is common knowledge that breast tissue is radiosensitive.

I did find one company that offers aprons with better breast protection. Its called "SHIELDING INTERNATIONAL" and they have what is called the breast-overlay apron. Any woman working around x-rays in OR or special procedures rooms should use something like this for protection.

Research shows that breast cancer rates are increased in female x-ray techs because of occupational exposure. Radiation protection is even more important around C-arm procedures in OR because the dose rate is so high. Lead "aprons" leave the lateral breast area and axillary region exposed, And they wonder 'why' female x-ray techs have more breast cancer

While new technology abounds in radiology, safety is overlooked and dismissed. The RT Health Study 1983-1998 concluded there is increased risk of breast cancer among female x-ray techs due to occupational exposure, yet we still wear lead aprons patterned after those worn 80 years ago! The old 'open-sleeve' x-ray aprons do not protect the lateral breast area. One case of breast cancer per 1,000 is ok, as long as its not ME. Rad nurses should insist on better protection. Some Rad Nurses soak-up more radiation than x-ray techs. Where's the innovation in safety? The only place I've found that offers better breast protection in x-ray aprons is called Shielding International but they only sell to distributors, not to individuals!!!