The Risks of CT Scans: What You Need to Know

When doctors tell patients they want to order a radiation-based imaging test, such as a CT scan, it's a common phrase that is repeated millions of times each year. These scans allow us to peer into the human body with incredible detail, but what those patients may not know is that those same scans, particularly CT scans which use multiple x-ray images, emit enough radiation to change the makeup of human tissue and create free radicals that can destroy healthy cells and potentially trigger cancer.

CT or computed tomography scans certainly can save lives when used properly, but about one third of those scans serve little if any medical purpose. According to recent research and a new Consumer Reports survey of US adults, people are seldom told by their doctors about the risks of scans. The number of people estimated to die each year because of cancers caused by radiation and CT scans is staggering, with 15,000 deaths annually attributed to this risk.

One CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis equals more radiation than most residents of Fukushima Japan absorbed after the nuclear power plant accident in 2011. A 2013 study found that children who had a CT scan before the age of five faced a 35% spike in cancer risk, due to developing bodies being more vulnerable to radiation. In fact, less than 10% of people in our survey said their doctor had warned them about radiation risks when scheduled for CT scans.

Furthermore, in one 2012 study, less than half of the clinicians caring for patients undergoing abdominal CT scans said they knew that the scans could cause cancer. This lack of awareness is concerning, as one third of people in our survey assumed that the amount of CT radiation exposure was limited. However, regulations in this area are lacking, with no federal radiation limits for any kind of CT imaging. Unlike mammography, which has strict guidelines and regulations, there is a clear need for increased awareness and education about the risks associated with CT scans.

The use of CT scans has also become increasingly common as a defense maneuver by doctors to protect against lawsuits since 1980. In fact, US CT scans have gone from fewer than 3 million per year to more than 80 million, highlighting the growing reliance on these scans in medical practice. While the risk posed by a single scan is very small, it's essential for patients to be aware of their options and make informed decisions about their care.

Before undergoing a CT scan, Consumer Reports advises getting a second opinion if your doctor owns a CT scanner or has a financial interest in the imaging center. Additionally, know what scans you may be able to skip in some instances, as certain common imaging testing can be avoided. For example, a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis can have a radiation dose five times greater than a CT scan of the head. To find out more information, such as your complete radiation dose chart, check out Consumer Reports' website or visit their office.

In conclusion, while CT scans are an invaluable tool in medical practice, it's essential for patients to be aware of the risks associated with these scans. By understanding the potential dangers and taking steps to minimize exposure, patients can make informed decisions about their care and reduce their risk of cancer caused by radiation.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enlet's get it scanned words like those are said millions of times each year when doctors tell patients they want to order a radiation based imaging test such scans allow us to peer into the human body with incredible detail but what those patients may not know is that those same scans in particular CT scans which use multiple x-ray images emit enough radiation to change the makeup of human tissue that can create free radicals which in turn can destroy healthy cells and could ultimately trigger cancer CT or computed tomography scans certainly can save lives when used properly but about one third of those scans serve little if any medical purpose according to recent research and a new Consumer Reports survey of US adults found that people are seldom told by their doctors about the risks of scans here's what you should know 15,000 that's the number of people estimated to die each year because of cancers caused by the radiation and CT scans one CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis equals more radiation than most residents of Fukushima Japan absorbed after the nuclear power plant accident in 2011 a 2013 study found that children who had a CT scan before the age of five faced a 35% spike in cancer risk the reason developing bodies may be more vulnerable to radiation less than 10% of people in our survey said their doctor had warned them about radiation risks when scheduled for CT scans and in one 2012 study less than half of the clinicians caring for patients undergoing abdominal CT scans said they knew that the scans could cause cancer about one third of people in our survey assumed that the amount of CT radiation exposure is limited regulations in fact unlike mammography there are no federal radiation limits for any kind of CT imaging almost 35% of imaging tests are ordered mainly as a defense maneuver by doctors to protect against lawsuits since 1980 u.s. CT scans have gone from fewer than 3 million per year to more than 80 million the risk posed by a single scan is very small and if you really need an imaging test you shouldn't avoid it here's what Consumer Reports advises before going for a scan get a second opinion if your doctor owns a CT scanner or has a financial interest in the imaging center your doctor recommends a whole-body CT scan or your dentist recommends a 3d gentle CT scan know what scans you may be able to skip in some instances certain common imaging testing can be avoided we have a full list at consumer health choices or you know how much radiation you're getting for example a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis can have a radiation dose with five times greater than a CT scan of the head to find our complete radiation dose chart and full report on CT scans check out consumerreports.org youlet's get it scanned words like those are said millions of times each year when doctors tell patients they want to order a radiation based imaging test such scans allow us to peer into the human body with incredible detail but what those patients may not know is that those same scans in particular CT scans which use multiple x-ray images emit enough radiation to change the makeup of human tissue that can create free radicals which in turn can destroy healthy cells and could ultimately trigger cancer CT or computed tomography scans certainly can save lives when used properly but about one third of those scans serve little if any medical purpose according to recent research and a new Consumer Reports survey of US adults found that people are seldom told by their doctors about the risks of scans here's what you should know 15,000 that's the number of people estimated to die each year because of cancers caused by the radiation and CT scans one CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis equals more radiation than most residents of Fukushima Japan absorbed after the nuclear power plant accident in 2011 a 2013 study found that children who had a CT scan before the age of five faced a 35% spike in cancer risk the reason developing bodies may be more vulnerable to radiation less than 10% of people in our survey said their doctor had warned them about radiation risks when scheduled for CT scans and in one 2012 study less than half of the clinicians caring for patients undergoing abdominal CT scans said they knew that the scans could cause cancer about one third of people in our survey assumed that the amount of CT radiation exposure is limited regulations in fact unlike mammography there are no federal radiation limits for any kind of CT imaging almost 35% of imaging tests are ordered mainly as a defense maneuver by doctors to protect against lawsuits since 1980 u.s. CT scans have gone from fewer than 3 million per year to more than 80 million the risk posed by a single scan is very small and if you really need an imaging test you shouldn't avoid it here's what Consumer Reports advises before going for a scan get a second opinion if your doctor owns a CT scanner or has a financial interest in the imaging center your doctor recommends a whole-body CT scan or your dentist recommends a 3d gentle CT scan know what scans you may be able to skip in some instances certain common imaging testing can be avoided we have a full list at consumer health choices or you know how much radiation you're getting for example a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis can have a radiation dose with five times greater than a CT scan of the head to find our complete radiation dose chart and full report on CT scans check out consumerreports.org you\n"