In December, two studies were released and they said that CT scans
deliver far more radiation than has been previously believed, and
they may contribute to 29,000 new cancers each year, along with
14,500 deaths.
The information comes from the Archives of Internal Medicine.
In one study, researchers found that people may be exposed to up to
four times as much radiation as previously estimated by earlier
studies. They determined that a patient could get as much
radiation as 74 mammograms, or 442 chest x-ray. (That’s a lot of
radiation).
Young people have the highest risk from excess radiation, partly
because they have many years ahead of them in which cancers can
develop.
However, not all doctors agree about the risks of CT scans.
Scientists have not yet determined whether low doses of radiation
actually increase cancer risk or whether the risk rises only after
exposure levels reach a certain threshold, says James Thrall,
chairman of the American College of Radiology.
He says it’s also tricky to compare cancer rates between people who
have had CT scans with those who haven’t. People undergoing scans
may have underlying health problems that predispose them to cancer,
he says.
In many cases, CT scans can be lifesaving. In other cases, there’s
no evidence a CT scan is really better than other approaches. It is
estimated that up to one-third of all CT scans are unnecessary.
So what should you do if you or someone you know is considering a
CT scan?
First, ask your doctor about alternative options that may be
available to you.
Second, make sure you keep all of your medical records handy should
you need to consult with another doctor.
Third, ask your doctor if the CT scan facility has been accredited
by the American College of Radiology.
Have a great day and I’ll talk to you soon,
Dr. Justin Trosclair
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