CT scan is an important part of modern medicine. Found in all hospitals and many clinics, they provide doctors a quick and detailed figure inside the body, helping to diagnose everything from cancer and stroke to internal injuries. But A New study We suggest that our dependence on this technology may be hidden.
The study, published in JAMA, warned that the CT scan in the United States in 2023 could eventually lead to more than 100,000 additional cancer cases. If the current scanning speed continues, researchers said that the CT scan can be responsible for about 5%of all new cancers that are diagnosed every year.
The figure raised concern. In particular, the number of CT scans performed in the United States 30% increase In just 10 years. In 2023, about 19 million CT exams were carried out for 66 million people.
The risk of a single scan is low, but not zero. And the younger the patient, the greater the risk. Children and teenagers Especially vulnerable Their bodies are still developing Ionized radiation A few years later, it may not appear.
In other words, more than 90% of the CT scan is carried out on adults, so this group has the greatest effect on the overall effect. The most common cancers related to CT exposure are lungs, colons, bladder and leukemia. For women, breast cancer is also a significant concern.
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The latest estimation is so impressive that it grew up. 2009, A Similar analysis About 29,000 future cancers were expected to be related to CT scan. The new number is more than three times higher. The more scanned, the more detailed analysis of the radiation exposure to a particular institution through new research.
This study also compares the eye. If the situation remains the same, CT -related cancer alcohol Or excessive weight-well-known two risk factors.
Not all scanes have the same risk. For adults, abdomen and pelvic scanes are thought to contribute to the future cancer cases. This is for children Head CT that causes the biggest concern Especially for babies under 1 year old.
Often saving life
Despite all this, doctors emphasize that CT scans often save life and are essential in many cases. They capture early, guide treatment, and are important for emergencies. The challenge is to make sure they are actually used when they are needed.
The latest technology can help to reduce risks. Photon Calculation CT ScannerFor example, delivering less doses of radiation MRI scan Do not use radiation at all. Researchers suggest that better use of diagnostic checks can help doctors to determine when scanning is needed, and safe alternatives such as MRI or ultrasound can perform tasks.
It is worth noting that this study does not prove that CT scans cause cancer of individuals. This estimates are based on “dangerous models”, not direct evidence. In fact, US radiation university I point out There are no studies that connect CT scans directly with human cancer after several scanning.
Nevertheless, the idea that radiation can cause cancer is not new. Scientifically healthy. And if a lot of scans are completed, you can add even a small risk.
The CT scan saves life, but there is no danger. The same is true as we use as medical technology develops. Reducing unnecessary scans and using safer alternatives if possible, and maintaining radiation doses practically low, which can continue to help CT scan can harm.
