CT scans are essential for diagnosing various serious conditions but expose patients to ionizing radiation, which may increase their cancer risk. A new study estimates that in 2023, over 103,000 cancer diagnoses—approximately 5% of all U.S. cancers—could stem from 93 million CT scans. The rise in CT usage, particularly of potentially unnecessary scans, raises concerns about balancing medical benefits against radiation exposure. The study underscores the variability in radiation doses across facilities, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in imaging practices and patient education on alternatives like MRIs and ultrasounds.
The very high incidence of CT scanning in the United States exposes many individuals to a significant risk of radiation-induced cancers, necessitating a reevaluation of imaging practices.
As the use of CT scans rises, the need to balance potential benefits against inherent risks becomes critical, highlighting the importance of limiting unnecessary imaging.
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