A Preliminary Survey of Women Orthopaedic Surgeons on Awareness of Radiation Safety Practice and Breast Cancer Risk in India.

OBJECTIVES

To assess women surgeons' awareness of radiation protection protocols, cumulative dose, safety measures, radiation exposure, and breast cancer risk in India.

METHODS

The data were acquired through a survey monkey questionnaire circulated to women orthopaedic surgeons across the country through the WOICE group, e-mails and phone. The questionnaire assessed the respondents' awareness of radiation protection measures and level of exposure. Medical history on breast cancer during their professional life, time of diagnosis, and radiation exposure were collected. Data were analysed and expressed as percentages.

RESULTS

Fifty-one women orthopaedic surgeons responded. These were sub-grouped into early and late-career group based on whether they had worked in orthopaedics for less than 10 years ( = 33) or 10 or more years ( = 18). The mean number of years of practice of the respondents was 8.1 years, and for the group with 10 or more years was 18.7 years. 90.2% reported compliance to the lead shield, while 9.8% ( = 5) were non-compliant because of the shield's weight. Of the included respondents, 88.8% are currently working. Among all the respondents, only 13.7% ( = 7) use a radiation dosimeter. Not surprisingly, 88.2% ( = 45) of all respondents were unaware of the total radiation exposure received. Two surgeons in the more than 10-year practice category reported a history of breast carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary report suggested a need for more awareness of radiation protection measures among women orthopaedic surgeons. Hence, along with the practice of wearing a lead gown, use of lightweight shield, awareness on exposure measure and use of radiation dosimeter should be encouraged.