CT scans, or cat scans, are widely used to obtain internal images of the body and diagnose dangerous medical conditions – but they can cause a hidden risk.
California University – A new study by San Francisco found that according to a press release, CT (computed tomography) scan may be responsible for the diagnosis of 5% of all cancers.
“Some uncertainty exists, it does not greatly affect the main conclusion: a small but meaningful percentage of cancer is associated with CT scan, and this number can be reduced,” the first writer Rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, a UCSF radiologist and professor, told Fox News Digital.
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Researchers’ estimate shows that ionization radiation risk from CT scans is equal to other important risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and additional body weight.

CT scans, or cat scans, are widely used to obtain internal images of the body and diagnose dangerous medical conditions – but they can cause a hidden risk. (Istock)
According to Smith-Bindman, MD, the future CT scan can result in how many future cancer can result, the researchers updated the previous analysis of 2023 data on scan volumes, scan types and radiation doses.
“We used a well -valid model to estimate the risk of cancer and analyzed sensitivity to confirm the strength of our findings,” he said.
“This is a modeling study, which means that our findings depend on the accuracy of the data used.”
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Based on the review, researchers estimate that around 103,000 future cancer will be due to a CT scan done in 2023 in the US, with the highest number of cases affecting adults between the ages of 50 to 69 years.
The risk of individual cancer is the most for infants and children, the probability of developing the disease than others in studies with infants under 1 year of age is 10 times higher.
Adults, however, are responsible for most scans, which enhances the burden of overall cancer, Smith-Bindman said.
“The whistle dose is sometimes more than necessary.”
According to the study, the most common cancer types produced by CT radiation include lung cancer, colon cancer, leukemia and breast cancer.
The study, which was published in JAMA Internal Medicine on 14 April, received funding from the National Institute of Health.

“If the CT is clearly indicated, the benefits are away from the risks,” the researcher said. (Istock)
“In many cases, the whistle is the most suitable test to obtain a fast and accurate diagnosis,” Smith-Bindman told Fox News Digital.
“However, CT continues to be used, in which imaging has increased, which is done without a proper medical cause-often referred to as ‘lower scanning’.”
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Depending on the findings, researchers recommend avoiding unnecessary CT scans to avoid possible damage.
Another risk -reducing approach is to reduce radiation doses per scan per scan.
“CT dose is sometimes more than necessary, so patients are encouraged to ask their healthcare providers or technologists to use their scan the lowest possible doses,” Smith-Bindman advised.

“A small but meaningful percentage of cancer is associated with CT scan, and this number can be reduced.” (Istock)
Ultimately, the researcher said, patients should give information about interaction about the requirement of CT scan with their healthcare providers and may be more suitable for alternative imaging options – such as ultrasound or MRI.
“If the whistle is clearly indicated, the benefits get away from the risks,” he said. “But if not, it is best to avoid the scan completely.”
“Less may be less for the care of the patient.”
Dr. Nicole saffers, board-certified radiologists and Fox News Medical contributors were not involved in the study, but commented on the risks and benefits of CT scan.
He said, “I have long advocated for the prudent use of medical imaging, often citing that the low patient may be less careful,” he told Fox News Digital.
image
“The recent study connecting ionization radiation from CT scan to the increasing risk of cancer has been understood in the therapy community for many years: while imaging is a powerful clinical tool, it’s not without risk.”
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Saphier said that study can also reduce the total number of cancer responsible for medical imaging.
He said, “Many cases of medical intervention-inspired cancer can give up long-term delay periods, complex interaction of contributing factors and radiation from the fact that they leave radiation from image-guided procedures, X-rays and other forms of medical radiation,” he said.
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“As imaging use and medical intervention continue to increase – especially in the youth population – cumulative radiation risk throughout the lifetime becomes an important idea.”
He said, the saffron has gone, CT scan and other medical imaging Tarike – which are “sharp and cheap” – save life every day.

Based on the review, researchers estimate that around 103,000 future cancer will be due to a CT scan done in 2023 in the US, with the highest number of cases affecting adults between the ages of 50 to 69 years. (Istock)
“The key is balance. Physicians should be cautious in weighing the benefits against risks, and should always detect alternatives when appropriate, such as ultrasound or MRI, which do not use ionization radiation.”
According to the doctor, it is necessary to take informed decisions for both physicians and patients.
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“We should continue to refine our protocols, limit unnecessary imaging and ensure that we are using the lowest possible doses without compromising clinical quality,” the saffron concluded.
“This is not a call to avoid CT scans – it is a call to use them wisely.”