The Danger is Greatest for Infants, Followed by Children and Adolescents: Study Reveals Cancer Risks Linked to CT Scans

A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health has issued a substantial warning regarding the cancer risks associated with computed tomography (CT) scans, particularly for children and adolescents. Researchers have predicted that nearly 103,000 cancers could potentially result from the estimated 93 million CT scans conducted in the U.S. in 2023, marking an alarming increase in projected cancer cases—three to four times higher than previous evaluations. Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, a radiologist and epidemiologist at UCSF, emphasized that while CT scans are crucial for diagnosing and detecting tumors, their risks, particularly concerning ionizing radiation exposure, are often underestimated. The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, used more refined methodologies to provide estimates reflecting the actual doses received by patients, thus yielding increasingly precise predictions of radiation-induced cancers. The study indicated that certain practices in medical imaging may lead to unnecessary exposure to radiation, particularly for conditions that may not require such extensive diagnostic measures. As CT scans have surged by 30% in the U.S. since 2007, there remains a critical need for medical professionals to communicate the risks associated with these scans to patients and their families. The assessment identified that infants face the highest risk, with scans performed on those under one year old showing a tenfold increase in cancer likelihood compared to others. For adults, most projected cancers were linked to scans of the abdomen and pelvis, with the risk being particularly high for individuals aged 50 to 59 years. Experts have called for reducing the number of unnecessary scans and potentially adjusting CT protocols to mitigate radiation doses while still delivering effective imaging services. The need for a qualitative shift in clinician-patient discussions about CT examinations is more pressing than ever, with hopes that advocacy for informed consent will rise in light of this robust research. As technology advances and usage continues to rise, understanding and mitigating the risks associated with CT scans must become a priority to protect the future health of patients, especially vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents.