Protecting Our Own: A Method for Reducing Breast Radiation Exposure in Healthcare Workers

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiological Protection
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Standard lead aprons offer insufficient protection to the female breast.
• Radiation exposure in healthcare workers is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
• A novel shield targeting the breast, axilla, and thyroid (BAT) was developed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel BAT shield in reducing radiation exposure.
• To compare the protective capabilities of the BAT shield against standard lead vests with thyroid shields.
• To assess radiation reduction across various anatomical locations and operator positions.

Main Methods:

• Simulated a procedure room using an anthropomorphic phantom.
• Positioned dosimeters on breasts, chest, thyroid, and deep within the torso.
• Compared a standard lead vest plus thyroid shield (control) with a standard lead vest plus BAT shield.
• Tested three operator and two image receptor positions.

Main Results:

• The BAT shield demonstrated significant radiation reductions across all tested anatomical locations.
• Average reductions included 91% for the near breast, 76% for the far breast, 94% for the chest, 52% for the thyroid, and 60% for deep tissues.
• A 97.7% reduction in near breast radiation was observed with the operator at 90° to the table.

Conclusions:

• The BAT shield effectively reduces radiation exposure to the breast, chest, thyroid, and deep hematopoietic tissues.
• This novel shielding could significantly benefit healthcare workers by mitigating risks of breast and other radiation-associated cancers.
• Implementation of BAT shields is recommended for enhanced occupational safety in radiation-exposed environments.