Balancing Risks and Reassurances of CT Scan Radiation and Cancer
A recent study analyzing 93 million CT scans in 2023 estimates that the radiation from these scans could lead to approximately 103,000 future cancers in the US, with higher risks in infants and children, and emphasizes the importance of justifying each scan and considering alternatives like MRI or ultrasound to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure, while acknowledging the critical diagnostic benefits of CT scans in urgent and complex cases.