Radiation from CT scans could account for 5% of all cancer cases a year, study suggests

Radiation from CT scans could account for 5% of all cancer cases a year, study suggests
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“CT can save lives, but its potential harms are often overlooked. Given the large volume of CT use in the United States, many cancers could occur in the future if current practices don’t change. ” Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, a UCSF radiologist and first author of a new study.

She further said:

“Our estimates put CT on par with other significant risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and excess body weight, Reducing the number of scans and reducing doses per scan would save lives.”

Smith-Bindman noted:

“There is currently unacceptable variation in the doses used for CT, with some “patients receiving excessive doses.”

Medical Xpress, 4/14/25

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