Impact of Contralateral Breast Shielding on the Risk of Developing Radiation-induced Cancer from Full-field Digital Mammography Screening

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the impact of contralateral breast shielding on the risk of developing radiation-induced cancer from four-view full-field digital mammography (FFDM) screening. MethodsA poly methyl methacrylate-polyethylene breast phantom and adult ATOM dosimetry phantom were used to measure organ dose on four FFDM machines using craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique projections for each breast. A lead rubber shield of 0.25 mm equivalent lead thickness was used to protect the contralateral breast. Organs dose, effective dose, and effective risk were calculated. For effective risk estimations, the impact of the shield was considered for the routine screening views. ResultsThe contralateral breast dose was reduced by more than 95%. For each FFDM machine, contralateral breast dose reduction in μGy were 35.20 reduced to 1.93, 41.40 reduced to 0.01, 22.85 reduced to 1.24, and 22.76 reduced to 1.66. Effective risk reduction was significant (P < .05). For all FFDM machines, a small reduction was identified in sternum bone marrow dose due to the use of contralateral breast shield. ConclusionsThe results of the study demonstrate the value of a contralateral breast shield. More research is required to determine whether such a shield has clinical utility.