A recent US study has estimated that CT scans could account for 1 in 20 cancer cases diagnosed each year if current overuse doesn’t change, highlighting the need to weigh benefits against potential dangers of radiation exposure.
CT scans are a vital diagnostic tool for medical professionals, but the use of ionizing radiation in these scans poses a significant risk to patients. A recent US study has estimated that CT scans could account for 1 in 20 cancer cases diagnosed each year if current overuse doesn’t change.
The Dangers of Ionizing Radiation
IT ‘a high-energy form of electromagnetic radiation’ is a type of ionizing radiation that can damage tissue at the molecular level, leading to a range of health issues, including ‘cancer.’ While X-rays are an essential tool for providing medical professionals with vital insights into patient conditions, exposure to these high-frequency radiations poses a significant risk.
Ionizing radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, resulting in the formation of ions.
This process can cause damage to living tissues and materials.
Sources of ionizing radiation include X-rays, 'gamma rays' , and cosmic rays.
Ionizing radiation is used in medical treatments such as cancer therapy and sterilization of equipment.
However, prolonged exposure can lead to health risks including genetic mutations and increased risk of cancer.
The study modeled the likelihood of developing cancer in 61.5 million US patients who had received a CT scan and estimated that about 103,000 cancer diagnoses could result from CT exposure over the lifetime of the patients studied. This equates to about ‘5% of the total number of new cases annually in the US.’
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of the body.
It helps doctors diagnose and monitor various health conditions, such as tumors, internal injuries, or vascular diseases.
CT scans use a rotating X-ray beam and computer algorithms to reconstruct detailed images of internal structures.
The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes and is usually painless.
According to the American College of Radiology, over 70 million CT scans are performed annually in the United States alone.
The Risks Associated with CT Scans
The analysis found that CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis were more likely to result in cancers among adults, while head scans were the greatest risk for children. Children who underwent CT scans before their first birthdays were at 10 times greater risk of developing cancer than any other age group.
Reducing the Risk: Strategies for Safer Scanning
While there are risks associated with radiation exposure, CT scans remain invaluable for diagnosing health problems that can improve quality of life. The study’s lead researcher, Rebecca Smith-Bindman, emphasized the importance of reducing the number of scans and reducing doses per scan to save lives.
Other experts in the field agree that misuse of CT scans can pose risks to patients. Pradip Deb, a radiation safety expert at RMIT University, Australia, highlighted the need for limiting the radiation dose where possible and avoiding unnecessary CT scans if other low-radiation or no-radiation procedures can do the same job.
The Bottom Line
While there are risks associated with radiation exposure from CT scans, these benefits must be weighed against the potential dangers. By understanding the risks and taking steps to reduce them, we can ensure that medical imaging technology is used safely and effectively to improve patient outcomes.
