by Mila McManus, MD
JAMA Internal Medicine recently published a new study that CT scans could be causing up to 5% of new cancer cases each year. That is a sobering number if you think about it: One in 20 new cancer cases could be linked to diagnostic radiation.
This is not to say that CT scans are all bad. They can be a life-saving tool when used appropriately by physicians. But there are concerns that physicians are over-ordering them out of habit, anxiety, or convenience, exposing patients to risks that are not necessary. It is estimated that more than one-third of all scans may not be necessary. The study estimated that CT scans conducted during 2023 would result in approximately 103,000 new cancer cases! The use of CT scans has increased by 30% since 2007, reflecting the potential excess radiation.
What is driving this trend? Several stand out. First, due to time constraints, doctors order a CT scan as a better option than sitting down with the patient to figure out the root cause of a health issue. Second, it is essential to recognize that medical imaging is a highly profitable sector within the healthcare system, generating significant revenue. Thirdly, patients ask the physician to order the scan to ease their anxiety about medical issues they are having, even if the physician has informed them that the likelihood of finding an actionable discovery is very low.
There are no standardized doses for CT radiation. The amount of exposure a patient receives can vary widely depending on the protocol and machine used, which inadvertently puts patients at risk. Clinicians would do well to question whether the CT scan will change the patient’s treatment plan and, if not, hold off. Digging deeper into the patient’s medical history and concerns, and talking with the patient about other possible diagnostic options would be a safer way to go. Everyone should advocate for the standardization of radiation dose and the implementation of lower-dose protocols.
In light of this sobering news about CT scans, we want to share with our readers what you can do to protect yourself before and after a CT Scan, as well as provide alternative options to discuss with your provider. Stay tuned next week for these valuable resources, granting you agency to advocate for yourself.
Be Informed. Advocate for Yourself. Reduce exposure. Be Well.
References:
Smith-Bindman R, Chu PW, Azman Firdaus H, et al. Projected Lifetime Cancer Risks From Current Computed Tomography Imaging. JAMA Intern Med. 2025;185(6):710–719. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.0505