CT scans, a widely used medical imaging technology to diagnose diseases, may be more harmful than previously thought, and account for about 5% of new cancer cases annually in the U.S. population, according to new research led by UCSF scientists.
That puts CT (computed tomography) scans — which expose patients to ionizing radiation, a known carcinogen — on par with alcohol consumption and excess body weight in terms of contribution to cancer risk, according to the study, which is slated for publication Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine.
While the risk of radiation-induced cancer from one CT scan is low, people who get frequent CTs due to chronic conditions like Crohns should be aware of the benefits and risks of the procedure, said first author Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, a UCSF radiologist and professor of epidemiology.
“The goal is not to scare patients, but to help them understand going forward they need to think about every time a CT is suggested,” Smith-Bindman said. “Do they need it? Do they understand why it’s done and work with their physician? Is this really a test I need now? Maybe it’s a test I can postpone.”
Dr Bob, Brain Mechanic 