Breast Surgical Oncologist, Ramsey, Manufactures a Radiation Protection Garment Aimed At Reducing Breast Cancer Risk
Doctors are humans, too, and need protection from diseases as well, including those that can be caused by radiation exposure.
Written By
Samuel AgwahMedical Student | Health writer
Reviewed By
Joy EmehHuman Anatomist | Health Editor
Key takeaways:
- The Breast, Axillary, and Thyroid (BAT) protective wear is a newly developed shield that reduces radiation exposure by up to 97.7%.
- The BAT is more convenient and affordable than traditional radiation protective wear.
- Radiation isn’t the only risk factor for breast cancer. Other factors like smoking, obesity, and inherited genes can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
The death of a loved one often marks a turning point in our lives. That was the case for Lauren Ramsey (MD), a breast surgical oncologist and a medical consultant at Burlington Medical, when she lost a colleague to breast cancer in 2022. Her friend, an orthopedic surgeon, was regularly exposed to harmful radiation while managing patients.
This event made her more aware of the dangers of radiation and how doctors need more protection from its effects.
I thought about how radiation is a risk factor for breast cancer and how, oftentimes, doctors are not protected from radiation, especially for the breast,
she says while speaking to SemicHealth.
Ramsey’s experience motivated her to develop the Breast, Axillary, and Thyroid (BAT) protective wear that shields doctors from radiation by up to 97.7%.
Who is the BAT protective wear designed for?
The BAT protective wear is designed for healthcare professionals who are frequently exposed to radiation that can put them at risk of developing cancer.
A 2020 review by Oxford Academia found evidence of increased cancer risks for medical professionals exposed to high doses of ionizing radiation—especially those involved in fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures or radionuclide procedures.
The product (BAT) is designed for any healthcare provider who works with radiation,
Ramsey says. Such healthcare professionals include:
- Orthopedic surgeon
- Interventional radiologist
- Interventional cardiologist
- Neurosurgeons
- Oncologists
How the BAT protective wear works
The BAT protective wear is made from xenolite, a lead-free material obtained by combining antimony and tungsten.
These two elements help reduce the intensity of radiation on the wearer. Xenolite also makes the BAT lightweight and recyclable, making it easy to work in and eco-friendly.
The BAT has a mesh where the radioprotective material is not, so it can be light and flexible to wear during procedures,
Ramsey adds.
The material covering the breast, chest, and axilla is 0.35 mm thick, while the material covering the thyroid is 0.5 mm. More material is used to cover the thyroid because it is more sensitive to radiation exposure.
Advantages of the BAT garment over traditional radiation-protective garments
BAT’s carefully planned design and focus on protecting healthcare providers gives it a significant edge over traditional radiation protective garments.
Features | BAT™ Garment | Traditional radiation-protective garments |
|---|---|---|
Targeted protection | Provides specific protection to breast, axilla, and thyroid. | General protection, less targeted for specific areas |
Comfort and mobility | Lightweight design with mesh panels for comfort and freedom of movement | Often bulkier, may restrict movement |
Compatibility | Can be worn with any radioprotective apron without additional attachments | Not compatible with every radioprotective apron, and may need extra attachments |
Enhanced safety | Minimizes scatter radiation affecting chest, neck, and spine | Standard protection, might not address all scatter radiation concerns |
Environmental benefits | Made with lead-free materials, environmentally friendly and non-hazardous | Typically made with lead, which is heavier and environmentally harmful |
Cost of the BAT radiation protective wear
Currently, it costs $500 to purchase a BAT protective wear, which is cheaper than buying a thyroid shield and two sleeves,
Ramsey points out. Hospitals that have contracts with Burlington Medical would be eligible for contract pricing.
You can purchase the BAT through the Burlington Medical website. You would need to fill out the contact form on their website and a representative will be in contact with you. Likewise, you can also purchase the BAT through your local distributor and healthcare facility.
Burlington Medical manufactures and distributes the BAT through its channels in the USA and international markets. They also partner with international distributors to reach various countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Reducing the incidence of breast cancer
Radiation isn’t the only player when it comes to breast cancer. Several other risk factors that combine a mix of lifestyle, environment, and diet come into play. Some of these factors can be avoided or modified, while others, like old age, can’t. Some of these risk factors include:
- Old age
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Inherited genes
- Obesity
- Hormone therapy for menopause
Focusing on controllable risk factors and applying relevant protective factors can significantly reduce the incidence of breast cancer.
Preventive measures or strategies that may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer include:
- Breast-feeding for mothers
- Exercising regularly
- Cutting out or reducing alcohol consumption
- Risk-reducing or preventive breast removal
- Surgical or medical removal of the ovary (ovarian ablation)
- Early pregnancy