Hi, All, I found this article interesting in light of our recent breast
cancer discussion, and also the fact that scoliosis is so prevelant in
teenage girls.  Actually I have a two year old son with Infantile
Ideopathic Scoliosis (among other medical and orthopedic treats) so I am
very concerned with all the radiation he has already been subjected to, not
to mention the years ahead.
NancyH
Nancy Holtzman RN BSN IBCLC
Great Beginnings New Mothers Groups
Near Boston MA

You Won't Find This Wonderbra At
               Victoria's Secret

               September 23, 1999

               Researchers at a New York hospital have
               developed a lead "wonderbra" to protect young
               women from breast cancer risks associated with
               x-rays. 

               The adjustable, form-fitted lead garment was
               developed after recent studies revealed a 41
               percent increase in cancer deaths among
               females who were treated for adolescent
               idiopathic scoliosis – or lateral curvature of the
               spine – compared to the national average. 

               During the diagnosis and management of
               scoliosis, these young women are subject to
               numerous spinal radiographs without adequate
               shielding of their breast tissues, according to a
               report published in Pediatrics. 

               Researchers at the New York Hospital for Special
               Surgery say while women are given breast
               shields, those currently in use are large, loose
               and tend to shift. In some cases they don’t
               shield the breasts adequately and in others they
               block the x-rays and the test has to be
               repeated. 

               Tests of the "wonderbra" show that it protects
               the radiosensitive breast tissue and that its
               regular use may help decrease the
               cancer-inducing effects of spinal radiographs in
               adolescents. 

               It takes a properly trained technician to properly
               apply the wonderbra, but once in place it allows
               an x-ray of the important spinal elements while
               protecting the breasts from radiation. 

               This is a practical, positive way to reduce breast
               cancer risk. 

               Source: Pediatrics, September 1999

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