Large number of CT scans could lead to cancer
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
December 5, 2007
A new study published in the November 29 New England Journal of Medicine says that radiation from the overuse of CT scans could lead to cancer in patients, reports the The Boston Globe. Though scientists question the methodology of this study, most agree that the results illustrate a growing concern.One CT scan will not affect patients, says the article. However, a build up of radiation from many CT scans over time can have a negative effect. Medical radiation accounts for half of the radiation that the general population is exposed to, and last year 62 million CT scans were performed. This number has gone up by 3 million since 1980.
To read the article, click here.
