CT Scans Could Cause Thousands of New Cancer Cases in US: Study
The overuse of CT scans could cause over 100,000 new cases of cancer in the US, with almost 10,000 cases in children, researchers warned in a new study. The increasing radiation doses used in CT scans and the rising rates of use in the US have raised concerns about the potential health risks.
CT scans, also known as computed tomography scans, are widely used in medical imaging to diagnose and monitor a range of conditions, including injuries, cancers, and vascular diseases. While CT scans are an essential diagnostic tool, they use ionizing radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer.
The study, published by the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), used computer simulations to estimate the number of cancer cases that could be caused by the overuse of CT scans in the US. The researchers found that if the current rates of CT scan use continue, there could be an additional 100,000 cases of cancer in the US over the next 50 years.
In children, the risks are even higher. The study estimated that if the current rates of CT scan use in children continue, there could be an additional 9,800 cases of cancer in children under the age of 18 over the next 50 years.
The researchers emphasized that the risks associated with CT scans are not limited to the individual who receives the scan. Children who receive CT scans, for example, may be at risk of developing cancer later in life.
“We know that radiation from CT scans can increase the risk of cancer, and our study suggests that the overuse of CT scans could lead to a significant number of new cancer cases in the US,” said Dr. Emma Hall, lead author of the study. “It’s essential that healthcare providers and patients are aware of the risks associated with CT scans and that we use them responsibly.”
The study also highlighted the need for alternative imaging technologies that use lower levels of radiation or no radiation at all. For example, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans use magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images, rather than ionizing radiation.
The overuse of CT scans is a widespread problem in the US. According to the National Cancer Institute, the number of CT scans performed in the US has risen dramatically over the past two decades, from 3.5 million in 1990 to over 75 million in 2016.
The increasing use of CT scans is driven by a number of factors, including the growing elderly population and the increasing complexity of medical care. Additionally, the development of new CT scan technologies and the marketing of CT scans as a convenient and quick diagnostic tool have contributed to their widespread use.
However, the overuse of CT scans is not without consequences. In addition to the risk of cancer, CT scans can also cause other health problems, including radiation-induced thyroid cancer and cataracts.
The study’s findings have important implications for healthcare providers and patients. Healthcare providers should carefully consider the necessity of CT scans and use them only when necessary. Patients should also be aware of the risks associated with CT scans and ask their healthcare providers about alternative imaging technologies.
In conclusion, the overuse of CT scans could cause thousands of new cancer cases in the US, with almost 10,000 cases in children, researchers warned. The increasing radiation doses used in CT scans and the rising rates of use in the US have raised concerns about the potential health risks. It is essential that healthcare providers and patients are aware of the risks associated with CT scans and that we use them responsibly.
