Overview
- The study projects that CT scans conducted in 2023 may account for 103,000 future cancer cases in the US, representing 5% of all new diagnoses annually.
- Children, particularly infants under one year old, face up to 10 times higher cancer risks from CT scan radiation compared to adults, emphasizing their vulnerability.
- CT scan use has surged by 30% since 2007, with increased utilization contributing significantly to the projected cancer burden.
- Wide variability in radiation doses across facilities has been identified, with some scans exceeding recommended thresholds, underscoring the need for dose standardization.
- Experts stress that while CT scans are vital diagnostic tools, they should only be used when clinically necessary, with alternative imaging methods considered to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure.