CT scans may cause one in 20 cases of cancer, with an increased risk for young children, according to a new study.
Computed tomography (CT) scans use X-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body.
In England, the National Health Service (NHS) carries out around five million scans a year for various reasons, such as to assess internal injuries after an accident, to diagnose diseases such as cancer, strokes, fractures, or to monitor the effect of treatments.
But a new study from the University of California suggests that these scans can lead to the development of lung, breast and other organ cancers – and the risk for babies is ten times higher.
This study comes at a time when cancer care in the UK has been reported as being "at breaking point", due to "gross mismanagement".
According to leading doctors, delays in cancer treatment have become the "deadly norm" and there will be no improvements without radical changes.
The researchers, who published the results in The Lancet Oncology, criticized the government for prolonged consultations and a lack of concrete action, GazetaExpress reports.
What did the study reveal?
According to the study, out of the 93 million CT scans performed in the US during 2023, approximately 103,000 new cases of cancer are expected to develop – a figure 3-4 times higher than previous estimates.
The risk of developing cancer from CT scans is estimated to be similar to the risk from alcohol consumption or obesity.
Researchers analyzed 93 million examinations from 61.5 million patients in the US to estimate how often cancer developed after the scans.
They found that, for adults, abdominal and pelvic scans had the highest risk, while for children, head scans were the most problematic.
Cancers that can develop due to excessive radiation include lung, colon, leukemia, bladder, breast, and thyroid cancer.
The highest risk was observed in those who had scans before the age of one.
Feedback and advice from experts
Lynda Johnson from the Society of Radiographers said:
“Accurate communication about the benefits and risks of CT scans is essential to protect the public. Focusing solely on risk may lead to avoidance of scans that would possibly diagnose an early-stage cancer.”
The study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, noted that the use of CT scans is much higher in the US than in the UK.
Dr Doreen Lau from Brunel University London added:
“This study does not mean that people should avoid CT scans when recommended by a doctor. In most cases, the benefit of detecting or ruling out a serious condition outweighs the small risk. But it is necessary to minimize unnecessary imaging and use the lowest possible doses – especially in children and in cases where repeat imaging is needed.”
Stephen Duffy, emeritus professor of cancer screening at Queen Mary University of London, concluded:
"If your doctor recommends a CT scan, then it's wise to do it."
What is a CT scan?
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images.
Unlike a regular X-ray that produces a flat view, a CT scan creates thin cross-sectional images of the body and an accurate 3D model of internal organs can be constructed.
CT is used to diagnose damage to bones, organs, tumors, or internal problems that are not visible through other methods.
It is also used in archaeology to analyze fragile remains or extinct animals. /Express newspaper/
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