Impact of CT Scans on Cancer Risk

SOURCE www.dailymail.co.uk
Research suggests that high doses of radiation from CT scans may contribute to cancer, leading to potential overprescription and unnecessary tests. The radiation levels emitted by CT scanners vary widely, with some machines exposing patients to significantly higher doses. New Medicare regulations aim to address the issue by requiring hospitals to collect and share information about radiation levels and to inspect the dosing, quality, and necessity of CT scans.

Key Points

  • High doses of radiation from CT scans may contribute to cancer risk.
  • Radiation levels emitted by CT scanners vary widely machine to machine.
  • New Medicare regulations require hospitals to collect and share radiation information.

Pros

  • CT scans can be life-saving, detecting diseases early for timely treatment.

Cons

  • High doses of radiation from CT scans may contribute to cancer risk.
  • CT scans are sometimes overprescribed and performed unnecessarily.
  • Radiation levels emitted by CT scanners vary widely, posing potential health risks.