By MARTI STELLING
Published: | Updated:
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179 View commentsCT scans may cause one in 20 cancers with the risk increasing for young children,a study has found.
Computed tomography (CT) scansuse X-rays to create detailed internal pictures of the body.
The NHS carries out around five million scans a year for reasons such as assessing internal injuries after an accident, diagnosing conditions like cancer, stroke, broken bones, or monitoring the effectiveness of treatments.
But new research from the University of California has suggested the scans could lead to lung, breast and other cancers - and the risk for babies is tenfold.
This comes as MailOnline reported cancer care in the UK is at 'breaking point' and lagging behind other countries because of 'gross mismanagement'.
Delayed cancer treatment has become 'the deadly norm' and no improvements will be made without radical change, leading doctors say.
Writing in medical journal The Lancet Oncology, they criticise the Labour government for continuing to consult on changes rather than delivering them.
The new study found that nearly 103,000 cancers were expected from the 93 million CT scans that were performed in 2023 in the US – about three to four times more than previous estimates.
CT scans may cause one in 20 cancers, a study has found, with the risk increasing for young children
The above shows the estimated percent lifetime risk of death from cancer that is attributable to the radiation from a single CT scan of the abdomen
The risk of cancer from CT scans is estimated to be on par with alcohol consumption and excess body weight.
Researchers analysed 93million exams from 61.5million patients in the US to calculate how often cancer developed.
They found that in adults scans of the abdomen and pelvis were likely to cause most problems while in children the biggest risk came from CTs of the head.
Cancers predicted to arise from the excess radiation included lung, colon, leukaemia, bladder, breast and thyroid.
The risks were highest among those who underwent CT when they were under one year old.
Lynda Johnson, professional officer for clinical imaging and radiation protection at the Society of Radiographers, said: 'Accurate communication around the benefits and risks of CT is essential to protect the public from harm.
'Focusing on risk alone is not helpful and, in some cases, might prevent a person from attending a scan that could provide early diagnosis of cancer.
The above image shows the estimated percent lifetime risk of death from cancer linked to the radiation from a single CT scan of the head
'Anyone undergoing a CT scan must be provided with balanced, accurate and relevant information to enable them to understand what it means to them as an individual in terms of their diagnosis, treatment and potential long-term care.'
The study, published in the journal Jama Internal Medicine, pointed out that CT scan rates are much higher in the US than in the UK.
Dr Doreen Lau, a lecturer in inflammation, ageing and cancer biology at Brunel University of London, said: 'The findings don't mean that people should avoid CT scans when recommended by a doctor.
'In most cases, the benefit of detecting or ruling out serious illness far outweighs the very small risk of harm. What this research highlights is the need to minimise unnecessary imaging and use the lowest dose possible, particularly in settings where CT usage is high.
'Where appropriate, clinicians may also consider alternative imaging methods that do not involve ionising radiation, such as MRI or ultrasound – especially for younger patients, or when repeat imaging is anticipated.'
Stephen Duffy, emeritus professor of cancer screening at Queen Mary University of London, added: 'I would say to patients that if you are recommended to have a CT scan, it would be wise to do so.'
WHAT IS A CT SCAN?
CT (Computerised tomography) scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images.
They are several single X-rays that create a 2-dimensional images of a 'slice' or section of the specimen/individual.
Although an X-ray creates a flat image, several can be combined to construct complex 3D images.
A CT scanner emits a series of narrow beams as it moves through an arc.
This is different from an X-ray machine, which sends just one radiation beam.
The CT scan produces a more detailed final picture than an X-ray image.
This data is transmitted to a computer, which builds up a 3-D cross-sectional picture of the part of the body and displays it on the screen.
CT scans are used to get an in-depth view of hard to reach places and are commonly used in human medicine.
They can be used to diagnose conditions to bones and internal organs as well as determining the size, location and shape of a tumour.
CT scans are also used to recreate images of extinct animals or to get in depth view of fragile archaeological remains.
CT scanners combine several different 2D X-ray images into a complex 3D image which can reveal high levels of detail in human organs, tissues and also for archaeological remains
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