Here’s what you should be aware of
- According to a United States study, CT scans might be responsible for 1 out of every 20 new cancer diagnoses annually if excessive usage continues unchecked.
- CT scans serve as crucial instruments for diagnosing various health issues; however, they do lead to exposure to ionizing radiation.
- Strict implementation of CT scans might aid in reducing risks.
American scientists are raising concerns about the possible dangers associated with CT scans, which are commonly employed to generate comprehensive internal body images for disease diagnosis.
Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scans utilize X-rays to generate a three-dimensional image of a patient.
The scanner resembles a big cylinder. As the patient lies down on a table, they get pushed into this cylindrical structure, where numerous images of their internal organs are captured using X-ray equipment within the device.
This technique differs from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans; however, the tubular scanning device looks quite alike. In contrast, MRI machines utilize strong magnets to transmit radio waves into the body for image creation.
Both allow for the creation of extremely detailed images of the human body.
Nevertheless, being exposed to X-rays entails certain dangers.
“Although CT scans can help save lives, their possible risks are frequently ignored,” stated Rebecca Smith-Bindman, a radiologist at the University of California San Francisco, who led the research study.
Why X-rays harm
The electromagnetic spectrum is split into various types of radiation based on their differing wavelengths.
In the middle lies the visible spectrum—the light perceptible to creatures such as ourselves—encompassing wavelengths that appear to our eyes as shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
However, electromagnetic waves can be found beyond the boundaries of the visible spectrum as well. One end encompasses low-frequency, long-wavelength emissions such as radio waves, microwaves, and infrared rays, which possess lower energy levels compared to what we see with our eyes. Notably, radio waves play an essential role in medical imaging through MRI technology.
On the opposite side lies high-frequency, short-wavelength radiation encompassing ultraviolet (UV), X-rays, and gamma rays. This type of radiation carries more energy compared to visible light.
This hazardous health risk stems from high-frequency radiation, which is referred to as "ionizing" radiation.
Ionizing radiation can remove electrons from atoms. This indicates that it possesses sufficient energy to harm tissues at the molecular scale. For humans, such damage may result in various problems, like cancer. Ultraviolet light is often recognized as a hazard because of sunlight exposure, among other reasons.
Although X-rays are a form of high-energy radiation, they play a crucial role in giving healthcare providers critical information about patients' health statuses.
One out of every twenty cancer cases might someday be linked to the utilization of CT scans.
The latest study assessed the probability of cancer development among 61.5 million Americans who underwent a CT scan.
The model predicted approximately 103,000 instances of cancer diagnosis stemming from CT scans throughout the lifetimes of the patients examined. This accounts for roughly 5% of all newly diagnosed cancers each year in the United States, under the assumption that the frequency of CT usage and resulting cancer rates remain unchanged.
CT scans are increasingly utilized for diagnostics, showing an approximate increase of 30% since 2007. The usage rate climbs with age, particularly among individuals aged 60-69 who have higher scan frequencies compared to other demographics.
The analysis revealed that CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis were more prone to causing cancer in adults, whereas head scans posed the highest risk for children.
Infants who received CT scans prior to turning one year old faced a tenfold increased risk of developing cancer compared to all other age groups.
According to our calculations, CT scans are comparable to major risk factors like alcohol use and obesity," stated Smith-Bindman. "Decreasing both the frequency of these scans and their radiation levels could help save lives.
While CT scans carry certain risks, their advantages remain significant.
The findings from this research pertain specifically to U.S. patients and their healthcare system.
Smith-Bindman highlighted the inappropriate use of CT scans as diagnostic tools, such as performing unnecessary or overly frequent imaging, particularly in cases involving respiratory issues or head pain.
She pointed out differences in radiation dosages utilized for effective scans, noting that certain patients get unnecessarily high levels that do not serve clinical purposes.
Other experts in the industry concur that misusing CT scans can endanger patients.
"As we know, high-energy radiation leads to cancer," stated Pradip Deb, a radiation safety specialist from RMIT University in Australia, who was not part of the research team.
Deb mentioned that although it’s widely accepted that ionizing radiation such as X-rays can harm DNA, and greater exposure might intensify this damage, it remains unclear how exactly this would affect people individually.
"Everyone who gets exposed to radiation won’t necessarily develop cancer," Deb stated.
Although radiation exposure poses certain risks, CT scans continue to be essential for diagnosing issues that can enhance the quality of life once treated.
Occasionally, the projected risk [of exposure] may lead to anxiety amongst patients receiving radiation therapy," Deb stated. "Radiation is commonly employed for diagnosing and treating cancer. This research underscores the significance of minimizing the radiation dosage whenever feasible and steering clear of superfluous CT scans when alternative methods with lower radiation levels or without radiation can achieve similar outcomes.
Edited by: Derrick Williams
Source
Estimated Lifelong Risk of Cancer Due to Present CT Scanning
Author: Matthew Ward Agius