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Breast cancer incidence in U.S. radiologic technologists
Michele Morin Doody1, D Michal Freedman, Bruce H Alexander
1Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7238, USA. doodym@mail.nih.gov
Cancer
|April 28, 2006
Summary
Female radiologic technologists with prolonged low-dose radiation exposure, particularly before 1940, showed an increased risk of breast cancer. This highlights potential occupational hazards even at lower radiation doses over time.
Area of Science:
- Radiological health
- Occupational epidemiology
- Cancer research
Background:
- Established links between high-dose ionizing radiation and increased breast cancer risk exist.
- Risks from low-dose and low-dose-rate (protracted) radiation exposures remain less certain.
- Understanding occupational radiation exposure risks is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate incident breast cancer risks in relation to occupational radiation exposure among U.S. female radiologic technologists.
- To assess the impact of cumulative radiation exposure and early career start dates on breast cancer risk.
- To investigate trends in breast cancer risk associated with changes in radiation technology and safety standards over time.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 56,436 U.S. female radiologic technologists certified between 1925 and 1980 was studied.
- Incident breast cancer risks were evaluated from 1983 to 1998.
- A 4-level proxy index for cumulative radiation exposure and employment characteristics were used, adjusting for known risk factors.
Main Results:
- An increased breast cancer risk was observed for technologists who started working before 1940, with the highest risk for those starting before 1935.
- Risk was significantly elevated for those who began working before age 17.
- Higher cumulative radiation exposure levels (Level 4) were associated with a 1.5-fold increased breast cancer risk compared to minimal exposure (Level 1).
Conclusions:
- Significant elevation in breast cancer risk was found in female radiologic technologists with prolonged daily low-dose radiation exposure.
- The increased risk associated with early work years (pre-1940) suggests a correlation with historical radiation practices and standards.
- Findings underscore the importance of radiation protection standards in mitigating occupational cancer risks.
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