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Medical radiology techs at increased risk for thyroid cancer

June 15, 2015
thyroid protection

Thyroid cancer is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the US today1, with 62,450 new cases and nearly 2,000 thyroid cancer deaths already reported in 2015.2 The rise can be attributed to the increased use of CT scans and other radiographic procedures which employ much higher radiation doses than conventional x-rays.3

Although scans are valuable diagnostic tools, caution must be taken to prevent unnecessary thyroid exposure. Radiology techs must be especially careful as they may be at an even greater risk than the general population. Recent studies have indicated a 1.5-fold elevated thyroid cancer risk among technologists who held patients for X-ray procedures at least 50 times.4

Wearable Thyroid Protection

The American Thyroid Association strongly recommends that technologists wear protective thyroid shielding during scans. Their studies indicate that thyroid shielding can reduce radiation doses by as much 45% during CT scans of the head.5 Thyroid radiation protection garments, such as AliMed thyroid shields, are essential for keeping the vulnerable thyroid area safe from harmful scatter radiation. AliMed offers a wide array of thyroid collars that offer full 0.5mmPb-equivalent radiation protection. In addition, most AliMed shields are 36%lighter than standard lead garments, making them more comfortable for radiation techs.

Learn more about how you can protect your staff with thyroid shields and other radiation protection such as lead aprons, radiation protection eyewear, attenuation gloves and more.

References

  1. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroidcancer/detailedguide/thyroid-cancer-key-statistics
  2. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroidcancer/detailedguide/thyroid-cancer-key-statistics
  3. http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/statements/ABS1223_policy_statement.pdf
  4. http://dceg.cancer.gov/research/who-we-study/cohorts/us-radiologic-technologists
  5. http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/statements/ABS1223_policy_statement.pdf

Disclaimer

AliMed, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of medical supply products, and is not a medical authority. The contents contained in this article, including text, graphics, imagery, and other materials, are for informational and educational purposes only. AliMed does not provide or intend to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and the information contained here should not be treated as such. If you have questions about a specific medical condition or specific personal use of a medical device, always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

Although every effort has been made to present information that is accurate and true to the best of our knowledge, this content may contain omissions or errors. AliMed does not regularly update information or resources for this content and does not guarantee, make any warranties, and accepts no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information presented.

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