Does a Ct Scan Increase The Risk Of Cancer?
Children and young people are more sensitive to the effects of radiation
A CT scan uses X-rays and delivers ionizing radiation into the body. This radiation can damage DNA and may increase the risk of cancer in the long term.
However, there are a few important points to remember, including:
The amount of radiation in a typical CT scan is higher than that in a typical X-ray, but not enough to cause cancer right away.
It is estimated that a single CT scan increases the risk of cancer by a very small amount, especially if the scan is not repeated throughout life.
Children and young people are more sensitive to the effects of radiation. Repeated or unnecessary CT scans can increase the overall risk.
In many cases, the benefit of a CT scan is so valuable and life-saving that its small risk is considered acceptable.
In short, CT scans do slightly increase the risk of cancer, but this risk is usually very small, and when doctors recommend it, the benefit often far outweighs this potential risk.
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