Study Predicts 103,000 Cancer Cases Linked to CT Scans in 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine indicates that the 93 million CT scans performed in the United States during 2023 could lead to approximately 103,000 future cancers due to radiation exposure. The research highlights the escalating use of computed tomography scans and associated long-term health risks.

According to the study, the majority of the CT examinations were conducted on 62 million patients, with a significant number being adults. “If current practices persist, CT-associated cancer could eventually account for 5% of all new cancer diagnoses annually,” the authors stated. The risk is notably higher in younger patients, although adults are at greater risk due to higher CT utilization rates.

The findings signify a troubling trend, especially concerning abdomen and pelvis CT scans, which were projected to contribute to around 37,500 cancer cases. Chest CT scans followed closely, responsible for another 21,500 cases. The study identified lung cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, and bladder cancer as the most common conditions potentially caused by scanning.

The need for a balanced approach in using CT scans is emphasized in an accompanying editor’s note, which acknowledges the lifesaving potential of the technology while urging caution regarding its risks. “CT scanning is accurate, quick, well-tolerated, and relatively inexpensive,” the note stated. It also highlighted the necessity of assessing benefits against the inherent risks of radiation exposure.

Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, the report’s lead author and a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, explained, “While CT aids diagnosis and can improve outcomes, it also exposes patients to ionizing radiation at levels known to increase cancer risk.” In fact, the usage of these scans has jumped by 35% over the last decade.

The research points out that certain medical practices contribute to unnecessary scanning, with some assessments deemed low-value. “CT scans are often ordered for mild headaches or routine infections, where they may not be necessary,” Smith-Bindman noted.

The advice to avoid unnecessary scans aligns with previous Consumer Reports findings, which suggested that one-third of CT scans performed could be unnecessary. Retail medicine pressures and patient expectations often drive such decisions.

Additional insights reveal that the study’s model, which uses the National Cancer Institute’s Radiation Risk Assessment Tool, estimates cancer risks based on various factors, including scan type and patient age. The methodology provides valuable data but also faces limitations due to its reliance on retrospective data and established formulas without direct biological assessments of individual patients.

As the discourse on the use of CT scans evolves, there is a growing call for integrating alternative, radiation-free imaging options and reducing radiation dosage. The pressing need for clinician education regarding these practices underscores the critical balance between utilizing advanced imaging tools and ensuring patient safety.

In light of these findings, healthcare professionals encourage patients to engage in dialogue about the necessity of CT scans. Queries like, “Why am I getting this? What will the result change?” can lead to more conscientious decision-making regarding the use of this vital diagnostic tool.