Radiation protection from the implantation of particles: general knowledge of patients, family members and the publicParticle implant treatment has become an effective means of treating certain types of cancer. This treatment kills cancer cells by directly implanting radioactive particles into the tumour and releasing radiation. However, radiation protection from particle implantation is essential for patients, their families and the general public. Detailed information will be provided on radiation protection measures after particle implantation.Introduction to Particle Emplacement TreatmentParticle implant treatment is a close-range radiotherapy method, which treats cancer by embedding radioactive particles into oncology tissues. The commonly used radioactive particles are iodine-125 with a half-life of 59.6 days and release gamma rays with an average energy of 35.5 KeV.Importance of radiation protectionRadiation protection aims at reducing unnecessary radiation exposure and protecting the health of patients, their families and the general public. When particles are implanted, there will be a certain amount of radioactive material in the patient and appropriate protective measures will be required.III. Patient protection measuresTime protection: Patients should minimize contact time with radioactive sources. Because of the long half-life of ^125I ^ particles, patients should avoid prolonged exposure to radioactive sources.2. Distance protection: the patient should be at a certain distance from others, especially at the early stages of treatment. It is recommended to maintain a distance of more than one metre with the patient without a shield.Block protection: If necessary, patients may wear lead-made protective clothing to reduce radiation effects on others. Studies have shown that the external rays of patients in protective clothing are zero and can be completely shielded.4. Activity restrictions: Patients should maintain a safe distance from their families and avoid intimacy during the first months of implantation of particles, especially during the first two months. During the six-month period, activities in public places where people gather shall be avoided to the extent possible, and protective clothing shall be worn if necessary to travel.5. Regular follow-up: Particle implants are not once and for all, and regular follow-up visits to hospitals are required to assess the effectiveness of treatment and to observe complications.6. Adapting living habits: Patients should maintain a nutritionally balanced diet, adequate sleep, high-temperature and increased immunity, such as sustained exercise, and promote treatment. The family should assist the patient in adjusting his/her living habits to improve the treatment.Family protective measures1. Distance: The family should maintain a safe distance from the patient, especially during the initial stages of treatment. It is recommended that within the first two months of the particle implantation, the family remain at least 1 metre away from the patient. For pregnant women and children, it is recommended to maintain a distance of about 3 metres to reduce the risk of radiation exposure.Avoiding intimate contact: During the first months of particle implantation, and particularly during the first two months, families should avoid long periods of intimate contact with patients in order to reduce the risk of radiation exposure.3. Knowledge of protection: Families should have basic knowledge of radiation protection in order to take appropriate protective measures when necessary.Particle drop-off treatment: If a particle drops off in the home, the family should not be in direct contact with the hand, but rather should use tools such as spoons to keep released particles in lead bottles and contact the competent doctor to bring them back to the hospital for specialized treatment.5. Personal protective equipment: If necessary, family members may need to wear lead-based protective clothing to reduce radiation effects. Especially in the early stages of particle implantation, personal protective equipment is particularly important when close to the patient.V. PUBLIC PROTECTION MEASURES1. Information disclosure: Medical institutions should provide the public with information on the treatment of particle implantation, including the treatment process and radiation protection measures.2. Limitation of exposure: restriction of access to treatment areas for non-essential persons and reduction of public exposure to radiation.3. Environmental monitoring: periodic radiation monitoring of therapeutic areas to ensure environmental safety.SummaryParticle implant treatment is an effective means of cancer treatment, but radiation protection is equally important. The effects of radiation on patients, families and the general public can be minimized through the adoption of appropriate protective measures. Understanding and compliance with radiation protection guidelines are key to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of treatment.
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