Are CT Scans Safe?

CT scans have come under the radar as being a possible cause of cancer. Although many sources say radiation levels are low, CT scan exposure can emit waves of radiation into the body. When considering cancer, it is important to remember that radiation is cumulative in the body. The more you are exposed, the higher the risk of cancer. In 2004, a study in The Journal of Radiology concluded that full-body CT scans increase the risk of cancer while trying to detect it. Each time you receive a scan, say once yearly after the age of 45, your risk goes up from 1 in 1200 to 1 in 50.

In the earlier half of this year, cancer risk to women having coronary angiography procedure became a topic of discussion. Since then, using CT scans in children was again brought to the attention of health communities, and it has been revealed that now as many as 2 percent of all cancers may be related to CT scans. Although such tests save lives, careful consideration is needed. If your healthcare provider suggests using this technology, discuss the risks and benefits and find out whether not having the procedure done is more of a risk than doing it.

For more information on the safety of CT scans, visit The Annie Appleseed Project and Science Daily.

For more information about the effects of radiation in the body, visit Good Health Info.