Exposure to X-rays without safe PPE

[Dolly77]

Hi, my sister has worked in a local hospital Trust as a theatre nurse for 13 years. During that time she has been involved in many surgical procedures were there has been the use of X-rays. The hospital have lead aprons for the staff to use and are all numbered and supposed to undergo regular checks to ensure they are effective. However, the results of these assessments or when they were last checked are not available for the staff to view, so it is purely trust from on the employees part that they are safe to use. The aprons are not stored hanging up which is how they should be to prevent cracks in the lead around the chest and arm pit areas. At only 36 with no family history, high risk lifestyle or genetical predisposing risk, she has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her breast lump actually being situated on the side of her breast, in a position that a poorly maintained lead apron would not provide protection. Is there anywhere I can find out more information about this and whether this is something we should look in to? The NHS does not prioritise staff safety with current financial constraints and we do not want another family to go through what we are currently going through as a result of poorly maintained personal protective equipment.

[des8]

Re: Exposure to X-rays without safe PPE

I think you will have to start with the Health & Safety Executive regarding ionizing radiation: http://www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/certxray.htm

If you can show the hospital breached safety, you might then be able to show a link between your sister's breast cancer and ionising radiation.
http://www.breastcancerfund.org/clea...radiation.html
There are known links between radiation and cancer, however breast cancer is also known to develop spontaneously and to prove the causation will be difficult
At the moment I think about 13 genes have been identified as having a possible influence on development of breast cancer, but there are probably many more
My OH was diagnosed with breast cancer some 10 years ago and has taken part in several studies in the hopes of assisting others.

We understand what you are all going through, and wish her well.

[teaboy2]

Re: Exposure to X-rays without safe PPE

Unfortunately it is more than likely the cause had nothing to do with exposure to radiation, she could have any one of those genes. Not to mention breast cancer can effect anyone of any age, regardless of lifestyle choice - And at 36 she is within the age group where breast cancer rates begin to start shooting up!

[Dolly77]

Re: Exposure to X-rays without safe PPE

Thank you for your reply. We have been to see a genetics counsellor and they predict only a 6% likelihood of her being BRCA1 or 2 positive. They usually test on a 10% prediction but as she was diagnosed under 40 with Grade 3 triple negative cancer, they said it warrants testing her. I would hope that work had nothing to do with it, i just find 'one of those things' or 'just bad luck' difficult to accept so just want to be sure we've looked at all possibilities before accepting that.

[des8]

Re: Exposure to X-rays without safe PPE

So sorry to hear that about your sister.
Fortunately she has you for support, and I hope the rest of the family rally round during and after her treatment.
I appreciate that when thing go seriously wrong it is human nature to look for an explanation, so that at least others might not suffer a similar problem.
However in your sister's particular case, I suspect you could spend a lot of time and effort (including emotional) trying to show a link between her work and her condition, when all that input might be better directed to keeping your sister positive.
Look for the links of causation when your sister has recovered.

I'm not meaning to preach, but I have been there with my wife and your sister will need support.

[teaboy2]

Re: Exposure to X-rays without safe PPE

Well its deffo worth testing and finding out for sure, and if it is because of the aprons and how they were stored etc, then go for the jugular. Hopefully, regardless of the cause, your wife recovers.