Overview

• The study estimates that CT scans performed in 2023 could lead to over 100,000 additional cancer cases, accounting for 5% of annual diagnoses in the U.S.
• Infants under one year old are particularly vulnerable, with a tenfold higher theoretical cancer risk from CT radiation compared to other groups.
• Experts emphasize that while CT scans are life-saving diagnostic tools, their overuse—especially for non-critical conditions—raises unnecessary risks.
• The American College of Radiology disputes the study's conclusions, noting the lack of direct evidence linking CT scans to cancer in humans.
• Researchers advocate for lower radiation dose technologies, alternative imaging methods like MRIs, and stricter guidelines to reduce unnecessary scans.