Cancer Treatment Options Forum - August 16th, 2010 - 4 Comments
Are radiologists more likely to get cancer because of their exposure to radiation?
I’m thinking of going into this field but I definitely don’t want to risk getting cancer.
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I have to chuckle when I hear this question… why would I go into a field that was going to give me cancer?
Radiologists in Australia must wear a badge that monitors their cumulative exposure to radiation. This ensures that they are not exposed to prolonged or dangerous levels of exposure.
Medical imaging is a fascinating growth industry. Workers and patients are very safe. By working in this field you won’t have an increased risk of getting cancer, but you will be assisting in the early and accurate diagnosis of cancer which will save lives.
The room the person is getting radiation treatment in is a specialized room with lead lining. No one is in the room with the person when the machine is running; they are behind a lead lined wall and are not at risk of exposure. When the machine is turned off, the radiation is gone and there’s no chance of exposure.
Radiologists all go behind a screen before the radiation starts so they are not directly exposed to the radiation. They always leave the room and just talk to the patient on a microphone through a window