 CAT
Scans Increase Risk of Cancer
Computerized Axial Tomography is a 3D body scan which
is taken using very high does of x-rays. They
provide much more detailed picture of the body than a
regular x-ray does. But, the dose of radiation is
as much as 100 times more than the regular x-ray.
CAT scans are performed on a regular basis now and
have been for several years. But, each year,
millions of patients are unnecessarily exposed to
dangerous radiation which increases their risk of
cancer. More than 60 million CT scans are
performed every year!
Approximately 33% are unnecessary. These
patients could have less risky and cheaper tests
performed.
While it is estimated to be less than 1/2% of all
cases, CAT scans, or CT scans, can cause cancer due to
the radiation exposure. It could be as high as 2%,
but it is hard to know since it may be years before the
cancer is discovered.
CT scans should be limited to cases where MRI and
ultrasound do not provided definitive results.
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