CT Scans Linked To Cancer And Deaths

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. Jason Gerard DC