A University of Iowa Radiology professor is weighing in on a published report on the dangers of C-T scans. The report in the New England Journal of Medicine says millions of Americans, especially young children, are needlessly exposed to dangerous radiation from the x-ray procedure.
The report claims in a few decades, as many as two percent of all cancers in the U.S. might be due to radiation from C-T scans given now. But Professor Mark Madsen says the numbers may be “overly alarming.” Madsen says the authors of the report indicate once a C-T scan is diagnosed as necessary – the benefits far outweigh the risks.
“The risk of a radiation induced cancer from any single study is actually very, very small,” Madsen says, “and that patient is at much more of a risk if they don’t get the diagnostic information that they need.” Madsen says there are other options that gather similar information as C-T scans.
He says Magnetic Resonance Imaging or ultrasound are two options the do not require radiation. However, Madsen says in many instances, the CT scan provides unique information and may deliver the more accurate diagnosis.