Concerns have been raised by researchers over the potential cancer risks associated with CT scans. A study featured in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that radiation from CT scans could lead to as many as 100,000 new cancer cases annually, with approximately 10,000 affecting children.
The worry stems from the use of ionizing radiation in CT scans, which has been shown to increase the risk of cancer. While the risk to individuals is generally low, the study reveals that the projected number of CT-associated cancers could eventually account for 5% of all new cancer diagnoses annually.
The research has shown that the growing usage of CT scans, with a 30% surge since 2009, is contributing to the increased radiation doses in the US. Experts from The Institute of Cancer Research in London, Kaiser Permanente Washington in Seattle, and the University of California in San Francisco are calling attention to this trend and its potential consequences.
READ MORE: Lily Allen’s Fashion Evolution: From Eclectic to Classic as She Approaches 40
READ MORE: The High Street Exodus: A Look at the Retail and Banking Closures
The study also highlights the potential future cancer risks associated with the 2.5 million CT scans performed on children, with consideration for the varying vulnerability of different organs at each stage of life.
While CT scans are crucial for diagnosing cancer and aiding in medical procedures, the study emphasizes the need for careful consideration of the risks and benefits. It is crucial to justify the clinical need for these scans and to ensure that radiation doses are carefully adjusted based on the patient’s age and the specific organ being examined.
The findings underscore the importance of avoiding unnecessary scans and employing appropriate doses to minimize the potential risks. Recommendations from the researchers urge doctors to only conduct scans when necessary and to consider opportunities to reduce the doses without compromising the accuracy of the tests.