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CT Scans Linked to 103,000 Annual Cancer Cases in the US, Study Finds

New research highlights the rising use of CT scans and their potential to cause 5% of all new cancer cases annually, urging improved practices to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.

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CT scans lead to a higher rate of cancer than previously thought, a new study has found.
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Britain has one of the lowest rates of CT scan use among developed countries

Overview

  • A UCSF-led study estimates that 93 million CT scans performed in 2023 in the US could lead to approximately 103,000 future cancer cases, representing 5% of all new cancer diagnoses annually.
  • CT scan usage has risen by 30% since 2009, with significant variability in radiation doses across facilities contributing to increased public health risks.
  • Children, particularly infants under one year old, face the highest relative cancer risk from CT scan radiation due to their developing tissues and longer life expectancy for potential cancer development.
  • Experts emphasize the importance of reducing unnecessary CT scans, standardizing radiation doses, and considering alternative imaging methods like MRI or ultrasound when appropriate.
  • While the individual cancer risk from a single CT scan is small, the cumulative population-level impact underscores the need for more cautious and informed use of this diagnostic tool.