UCSF Study Warns CT Scans Could Cause 103,000 Future Cancer Cases

New research highlights the rising cancer risks tied to CT scan radiation, urging reduced use and standardized doses to minimize harm.

A UCSF-led study projects that CT scans performed in 2023 could result in 103,000 future cancer cases in the U.S., accounting for 5% of new cancer diagnoses annually.
The study analyzed data from 93 million CT scans conducted on 60 million patients in 2023, revealing significant variability in radiation doses across hospitals.
CT scans expose patients to ionizing radiation, a known carcinogen, placing their cancer risk contribution on par with factors like alcohol and obesity.
Children, particularly infants under one year old, face significantly higher risks from radiation, with a 10-fold greater likelihood of developing cancer compared to adults.
Researchers advocate for reducing unnecessary CT scans, especially in low-risk scenarios, and implementing standardized radiation dose protocols to mitigate future risks.