Radiation Protection Principles Observance in Mammography Divisions in Shiraz

which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Breast cancer is the second most common neoplasia and the first leading cause of cancer death among women in the world (1). Early diagnosis of breast cancer plays a critical role in reducing mortality rates and improving the patient's prognosis (2, 3). Mammography is an extremely useful technique for detection of breast cancer (4). An important goal in this imaging modality is to obtain the best diagnostic information by delivering the least radiation (5, 6). Some protocols by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are involved in the process of optimizing the radiation used for imaging, which are related to the selection of appropriate imaging equipment, evaluation of equipment performance in the context of quality assurance programs, radiation protection principles and education of medical and technical staff on the appropriate imaging procedures and protocols (7, 8). Considering these protocols , it is essential to have comprehensive knowledge, attitude and practice of mammography in the divisions, emphasize on the importance of its implementation as a routine and preventive measure for early diagnosis of breast cancer (1, 4). The aim of this study was to investigate the radiation protection principles observance and to evaluate the existing status of radiological practice and equipment performance according to the radiation protection protocols established by IAEA in mammography division in Shiraz. According to the best of our knowledge, there was no evidence for the same study in Iran. A questionnaire-based study was carried out in 5 diagnostic mammogra-phy divisions of Shiraz namely Namazi, Faghihi, Hafez, Zeinabieh, and MRI. All of the 30 women staff were interviewed between February 2008 to March 2008. All of them were asked to participate in the study. The refusal rate to participate was very low. The above mentioned questionnaire consisted 5 main categories. First, the audiences were asked about radiation dose measurement units. The second part was about the Annual Maximum Permissible Dose (AMPD) (5, 6), the necessary training in regards to the procedures and quality assurance and radiation programs at the beginning of the work made the third and fourth ones. The fifth was about renewing the licenses. Then the questionnaires were reviewed for information quality and legitimacy, and corrections were made as needed. After reviewing the questionnaires, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (Version 10) by descriptive statistics. We found that in …