Each September, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the delicate balance between progress in medicine and the responsibility to protect those who make it possible. For healthcare professionals working in radiology and interventional medicine, this observance carries a profound significance. Daily exposure to ionizing radiation makes the thyroid gland, one of the body’s most sensitive organs, especially vulnerable. It is here that prevention and protection intersect, and where the story of thyroid collars begins.

In the earliest days of medical imaging, the focus was on harnessing radiation to diagnose and heal, with little thought for its long-term risks. Protective garments were basic, covering only the most obvious areas of the body and often leaving the thyroid unprotected. As research revealed the thyroid’s unique sensitivity to radiation-induced disease, including cancer, the medical community realized this small, butterfly-shaped gland required dedicated shielding. The first thyroid collars soon appeared: heavy, lead-based shields that offered protection but often at the expense of comfort and mobility.

The decades since have brought remarkable progress. What started as bulky gear has evolved into today’s lightweight, ergonomic, and highly effective thyroid collars. At Protech Medical, we’ve embraced these advancements by designing shields that combine clinical-grade protection with thoughtful design. Using modern, lead-free and composite materials with carefully contoured fits, our thyroid collars reduce risk without hindering the professionals who depend on them. This evolution isn’t just about new materials—it reflects what we’ve learned about prevention, and the numbers show why it matters.

In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates 44,020 new thyroid cancer cases and 2,290 deaths in the U.S. (Cancer.org). These figures highlight why simple habits, like consistently wearing a thyroid collar, can make a meaningful difference. Thyroid cancer rates climbed for decades before leveling off in recent years, yet the disease still affects tens of thousands of Americans every year (ScienceDirect). For healthcare professionals in radiology and interventional suites, prevention isn’t just a guideline—it is part of everyday practice.

As we reflect on Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, we’re inspired by the resilience of radiologists, technologists, nurses, and surgeons who provide life-saving care while facing the risks that come with their calling. Awareness months aren’t just about campaigns; they remind us that vigilance, smarter technology, and small daily choices add up to lasting impact. At Protech Medical, our mission goes beyond making protective garments—it’s about honoring the trust clinicians place in us. When we protect the thyroid, we safeguard the people who make medicine possible.

This September, let’s recommit to prevention, prioritize protection in every procedure room, and continue advancing innovations that shield what matters most.