CT Scans May Lead to Thousands of Cancer Diagnoses, Study Finds

Computed tomography (CT) scans are a widely used medical imaging tool, essential for diagnosing a variety of conditions. However, these scans utilize ionizing radiation, a known carcinogen.

Article Key Points:

  • A recent study projects ~103,000 future cancers in the US from 2023 CT scans.  
  • CT-associated cancers could eventually account for 5% of all new annual cancer diagnoses.
  • Lung, colon, leukemia, bladder, and breast (in females) are among the most projected cancer types.  
  • Abdomen/pelvis CTs contribute most projected cancers in adults; head CTs in children.  

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine projected the future lifetime cancer risks associated with CT imaging performed in the United States in 2023. The findings highlight the significant public health impact of current CT use and underscore the importance of considering alternative imaging methods.  

The study, conducted by researchers from institutions including the University of California, San Francisco, and the National Cancer Institute, estimated that approximately 93 million CT examinations were performed on 62 million patients in the US in 2023. Based on their risk model, the researchers projected that these examinations could result in approximately 103,000 future radiation-induced cancers over the lifetime of those exposed.

This projection remained substantial even across various sensitivity analyses, ranging from 80,000 to 127,000 projected cancers.  

Similar to Risk Factors Like Alcohol Consumption and Excess Body Weight

To put this into perspective, the study suggests that if current CT utilization and radiation dose levels persist, CT-associated cancers could eventually account for about 5% of all new cancer diagnoses annually.

This places the risk associated with CT scans in a similar range to other significant risk factors like alcohol consumption and excess body weight.  

Who Is At Risk?

The study found that while the per-examination cancer risk is higher in children and adolescents, the greater number of CT scans performed on adults means that the majority of projected cancers (91%) are expected to occur in the adult population.

Specifically, adults aged 50 to 59 years were associated with the highest number of projected cancers.  

Certain types of cancers were more commonly projected to result from CT exposure. The most frequent were lung cancer (22,400 cases), followed by colon cancer (8,700 cases), leukemia (7,900 cases), and bladder cancer (7,100 cases). In female patients, breast cancer was also a significant concern, projected at 5,700 cases.  

The body region being scanned influences the projected cancer risk.

Abdomen and pelvis CT scans were estimated to contribute the largest number of projected cancers in adults (40%), accounting for 37,500 of the 103,000 projected cases. In children, head CT scans contributed the largest number of cancers (53%), projected at 5,100 cases.

The study noted that examination types that frequently use multiple scan phases, such as high-dose abdomen and pelvis and full body CT, generally incur greater risks per examination due to higher radiation doses. The researchers suggest that using single-phase scanning when possible could lower doses without compromising diagnostic accuracy.  

The projected number of radiation-induced cancers in this study is notably higher than earlier assessments. The researchers attribute this to several factors, including a 30% increase in CT use in the US since 2007, improved dose modeling that accounts for multiphase scanning, and more accurate methods for estimating organ dose using detailed, examination-level data.  

While CT scans are undoubtedly valuable diagnostic tools, the findings of this study highlight the importance of ensuring that CT examinations are medically justified and that radiation doses are optimized to minimize potential harm. This is where alternative imaging modalities that do not use ionizing radiation, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), play a crucial role.  

Full Body MRI Screenings at Bionicc Body Screening in Southfield

At Bionicc Body Screening in Southfield, Michigan, we understand the concerns regarding radiation exposure from medical imaging. This is why we offer full body MRI screenings as a proactive approach to health assessment. Unlike CT scans, MRI utilizes strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s organs and tissues. This means that a full body MRI screening at Bionicc Body Screening involves absolutely no exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Benefits of Full Body MRI

Choosing a full body MRI at Bionicc Body Screening offers several significant benefits:

  • No Ionizing Radiation Exposure: This is perhaps the most crucial advantage, directly addressing the risks highlighted in the JAMA Internal Medicine study. MRI is a radiation-free imaging technique, making it a safer option for individuals who may require multiple scans over their lifetime or for younger patients who are more sensitive to radiation.

  • Comprehensive Health Assessment: A full body MRI can provide detailed images of a wide range of organs and tissues, including the brain, spine, vital organs (such as the liver, kidneys, and pancreas), and the musculoskeletal system. This comprehensive view can help detect potential abnormalities or conditions in their early stages, often before symptoms appear.

  • Early Detection: Detecting certain diseases, including cancers, at an early stage significantly improves treatment outcomes and prognosis. Full body MRI screening can identify suspicious findings that may warrant further investigation, allowing for timely intervention.

  • Detailed Soft Tissue Imaging: MRI is particularly excellent at imaging soft tissues, which may not be as clearly visible on CT scans. This makes it valuable for assessing organs, muscles, ligaments, and the nervous system.

  • Personalized Health Insight: A full body MRI screening can offer valuable personalized insights into your health status, empowering you to make informed decisions about your well-being and lifestyle.

The JAMA Internal Medicine study serves as an important reminder that while medical imaging is vital, the potential risks associated with radiation exposure from CT scans should be carefully considered.

At Bionicc Body Screening in Southfield, we are committed to providing advanced, radiation-free imaging options like full body MRI screenings to help individuals take a proactive approach to their health without the concerns of ionizing radiation.

Considering a full body MRI screening is an investment in your long-term health, offering peace of mind through detailed, radiation-free imaging and the potential for early detection of various conditions.

Disclaimer: Full body MRI is a screening tool and not a substitute for regular medical check-ups and recommended diagnostic tests. Any findings from an MRI screening should be discussed with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.