Overview

• The study estimates that CT scans performed in 2023 in the U.S. could lead to over 100,000 future cancer cases, accounting for 5% of annual diagnoses.
• Infants under one year face the highest risk, with a tenfold greater likelihood of developing cancer from CT scan radiation compared to other age groups.
• The most common cancers associated with CT scans include lung, colon, bladder, leukemia, and breast cancer in women.
• Researchers emphasize the need for reducing unnecessary scans, adopting low-dose technologies like photon-counting CT, and using alternatives such as MRI or ultrasound.
• While CT scans are essential for diagnosing critical conditions, experts stress balancing their life-saving benefits with minimizing long-term radiation risks.