What's happened
A new study from UCSF reveals that CT scans could account for 5% of cancer cases in the U.S., with infants and children at the highest risk. The research indicates that unnecessary scans significantly raise cancer risks, prompting calls for reduced usage and lower radiation doses. This study was published in JAMA Internal Medicine on April 15, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Key Findings
- Cancer Risk: CT scans are now estimated to account for 5% of all cancers in the U.S., comparable to risks from alcohol and obesity.
- Vulnerable Populations: Infants under one year are ten times more likely to develop cancer from CT scans than older patients.
- Overuse of Scans: Many CT scans are deemed unnecessary, particularly for minor ailments, raising concerns about overexposure to radiation.
Implications
- Public Health Concern: The findings underscore a significant public health issue, as millions of scans are performed annually without clear clinical justification.
- Call for Action: Experts advocate for stricter guidelines on CT scan usage and radiation doses to mitigate future cancer risks. Reducing unnecessary scans could save lives and lower the incidence of radiation-induced cancers.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, the lead author of the study, emphasized that 'given the large volume of CT use in the United States, many cancers could occur in the future if current practices don’t change.' Gulf News echoed this sentiment, stating that 'CT scan radiation accounts for 5 percent of all cancers annually.' Meanwhile, the NY Post highlighted that the risk is particularly pronounced in children, noting that 'these CT scans could result in 9,700 cancer cases in American children.' This consensus across multiple sources illustrates the urgent need for reevaluation of CT scan practices to protect vulnerable populations.
How we got here
The use of CT scans has surged in the U.S., increasing by 30% since 2007. Previous assessments underestimated the cancer risks associated with these scans, particularly for vulnerable populations like infants and children. The latest research highlights the urgent need for reevaluation of CT scan practices.
Go deeper
- What are the specific risks associated with CT scans?
- How can patients ensure they need a CT scan?
- What alternatives exist to CT scans for diagnosis?
Common question
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What Are the Health Risks of CT Scans and How Can You Stay Safe?
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More on these topics
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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The University of California, San Francisco is a public research university in San Francisco, California. It is part of the University of California system and it is dedicated entirely to health science.
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JAMA Internal Medicine is a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association. It was established in 1908 as the Archives of Internal Medicine and obtained its current title in 2013.