Computed tomography (CT) became a cornerstone in modern diagnosis, offering detailed images that help in detecting and managing different medical conditions.However, recent studies suggest that exposure to radiation from these scanning can contribute to a significant number of cancer cases annually in the United States.In 2023, about 93 million kt were held in the United States, involving about 62 million patients. A study published in Jama Internal Medicine suggests that these scanning can lead to about 103,000 future cancer diagnoses, which is almost 5% of all new cancer cases. “CT is often returned, but its potential damage is often ignored, and even very small risks will lead to a large number of future cancers, given the huge volume of CT in the US,” the researchers said. The study found that lung cancer is supposed to be the most common cancer caused by radiation with 22,400 cases.The next most common colon cancer was 8700 cases.The risk is especially pronounced in children and infants due to their developing and greater life expectancy, which increases the window for the development of potential radiation malignancies. Common predicted rivers include light, thick, leukemia and bladder in adults, as well as in children thyroid, lungs and breasts.
Radiation impact: How much too much?
When it comes to CT, there is no magical number – but here’s a deal: every scan exposes your body dose of ionizing radiation, and over time, these doses are made. While the only CT is most likely not to harm, re-scanning, in a short time, can increase your long-term cancer risk. The radiation dose with CT is measured in millisters (MSV). For context, an ordinary person in the US receives about 3 MSV a year from natural background radiation.Repeated effects can accumulate by increasing the risk of cancer caused by radiation.Studies suggest that up to 30% scan may not even be medical. And this is not great news, given that only one breast CT can give you the same radiation as about 100 X -rays. So, if you get some scan a year, you should ask your doctor if an alternative to a smaller radiation regime can work.
What do you do instead?
If your doctor recommends CT or nuclear scan, do not panic – these tests often bring more benefit. But you should still ask how your scan will change your treatment plan. Will it prevent a more invasive test? If not, maybe there is the best option.In addition, try keeping a rough magazine of past X -rays or scanning. It should not be perfect, but it helps you and your doctor how much radiation has been exposed over time.Always ask if there is a safer alternative. MRI and ultrasound studies do not use radiation at all and in some cases can work just as well.Getting regular scan? See if you can more. Less scanning can still give the doctor the necessary information, especially if your condition is stable.Finally, avoid scanning for peace of mind. CTS rarely find problems in people who do not have symptoms – and sometimes can reveal things that lead to more unnecessary radiation.The essence? CT is a lifeline tools – but use them wisely, ask questions and make sure each of them really serves in your help.
