Computed tomography (CT) scans have become increasingly common in the United States, with more Americans undergoing these tests than ever before. While CT scans have the potential to save lives, there are concerns among scientists regarding the possible risks associated with low doses of ionizing radiation and their potential to increase cancer risks.
According to the FDA, the likelihood of developing cancer from a CT scan is considered to be very minimal, if existent at all. Patients should not fear undergoing these tests if they are deemed medically necessary. However, the number of CT scans performed annually in the US has risen by over 30 percent since 2007, leading researchers to believe that unnecessary tests are exposing the population to unnecessary radiation.
A team of researchers from the US and the UK predicts that low levels of ionizing radiation from CT scans could theoretically contribute to 5 percent of all new cancer diagnoses in the US. They estimate that CT scans conducted in 2023 could potentially lead to around 103,000 future cases of cancer. While these are theoretical risks, they cannot be ignored.
The potential link between low-dose ionizing radiation and cancer is mostly based on long-term studies of atomic bomb survivors and individuals exposed to nuclear power plant accidents. For example, studies on Hiroshima survivors who received radiation equivalent to three or more CT scans showed a slight increase in cancer risk over their lifetime.
The debate over whether these results can be directly applied to CT scans continues. The benefits of CT technology in detecting hidden diseases and injuries with minimal radiation exposure should be weighed against the potential risks. The type of CT device, scanning duration, patient size, and targeted body part all play a role in determining the actual radiation exposure.
Based on data from the UCSF International CT Dose Registry, researchers estimated that 93 million CT examinations were conducted in 2023 on approximately 62 million patients. This led to a projected 103,000 future cancer cases linked to CT scans.
Although more research is needed to confirm the impact of low-dose ionizing radiation on cancer risk, medical professionals emphasize the importance of avoiding unnecessary CT scans when alternative radiation-free procedures can achieve the same diagnostic results. The diagnostic and therapeutic value of CT scans outweigh the potential risks associated with radiation exposure in clinically justified cases.
The study highlighting these concerns was published in JAMA Internal Medicine. As the use of CT scans continues to rise, it is essential to consider the potential risks while recognizing the benefits this technology provides in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions.
