The common medical test related to 5% of cancers, the study suggests: “Use -wise them”

CT scans, or CAT scans, are widely used to obtain internal body images and diagnose dangerous medical conditions, but could be a hidden risk.

A new study from the University of California – San Francisco found that TC (Computed Tomography) explorations could be responsible for 5% of all cancer diagnoses each year, according to a statement.

“Although there is some uncertainty, it does not significantly affect the basic conclusion: a small but significant percentage of cancers is linked to TC, and this number can be reduced,” said Fox News Digital Rebecca Smith, MD, a radiologist and professor at the UCSF.

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Researchers’ estimates show that exposure to TC ionizing radiation is comparable to other significant risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and excess body weight.

To predict how many future cancers could be derived from current TC explorations, researchers updated a previous analysis of 2023 data on exploration volumes, exploration types and radiation doses, according to Smith-Bindman.

“We used a well -validated model to estimate the risk of cancer and performed sensitivity analysis to confirm the robustness of our findings,” he said.

“This is a modeling study, that is, our conclusions depend on the accuracy of the data used.”

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From the review, researchers estimate that approximately 103,000 future cancers will be caused by the TCs made in 2023 in the United States, with the largest number of cases affecting adults 50 to 69 years.

The risk of individual cancer is the highest for babies and children, with babies under 1 year ten times more likely to develop the disease compared to others in the study.

Smith-Bindman, however, pointed out, however, most of the explorations, which drive the overall cancer burden, said Smith-Bindman.

“The doses of CT are sometimes higher than the necessary.”

The most common types of cancer resulting from TC radiation, according to the study, include lung cancer, colon cancer, leukemia and breast cancer.

The study, published on April 14 at Jama Internal Medicine, received funding from national health institutes.

“In many cases, TC is the most appropriate test for quick and accurate diagnoses,” Smith-Bindman told Fox News Digital.

“However, the use of CT continues to increase, including an increase in the image that is performed without a justified medical reason, often known as” low value exploration. ”

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From the findings, researchers recommend avoiding unnecessary TC explorations to avoid possible damage.

Another risk reducing approach is to reduce the dose of exploration radiation.

“The doses of TC are sometimes higher than the necessary ones, so patients are recommended to ask their suppliers or healthcare technologists to use the lowest dose possible for exploration,” Smith-Bindman advised.

Ultimately, the researcher said, patients should have informed conversations with their healthcare providers about the need for an TC exploration and if alternative image options, such as ultrasound or RMN, can be more appropriate.

“If the TC is clearly indicated, the benefits far exceed the risks,” he said. “But if not, it is best to avoid exploration completely.”

“Less can be more when it comes to good patient care.”

Dr. Nicole Saphier, a Radiologist certified by the board and collaborator of Fox News Medical, did not participate in the study, but discussed the risks and benefits of TC.

“For some time now I have defended the prudent use of the medical image, often citing that less can be more when it comes to good patient care,” Fox News Digital told.

“The recent study that unites Ionizing Radiation of TCs to an increase in risk of cancer emphasizes what many in the medical community have understood for years: while the image is a powerful diagnostic tool, there is no risk.”

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Saphier said that the study may even underestimate the total number of cancers attributable to the medical image.

“Many cases of cancers induced by medical intervention may not be recognized due to the long periods of latency, the complex interaction of factors that contribute and the fact that they omitted the radiation of the procedures, X -rays and other forms of medical radiation in this study,” he said.

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“As the use of image and medical interventions continue to increase, especially in younger populations, exposure to radiation accumulated throughout life becomes an increasingly important consideration.”

That said, Saphier continued, the explorations of TC and other modalities of medical image, which are “fast and cheap”, save lives every day.

“The key is balance. Doctors need to keep vigilantes to weigh the profits against risks and must always explore alternative modalities when appropriate, such as ultrasound or RMN, which do not use ionizing radiation,” he said.

According to the doctor, informed decision -making is essential for both clinicians and patients.

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“We must continue to perfect our protocols, limit the unnecessary image and ensure that we use the lowest possible doses without compromising the diagnostic quality,” concluded Saphier.

“This is not a call to avoid TC scans; it is a call to use them with caution.”