A new survey in Consumer Reports points out that 2% of all future cancers in this country may be caused by the high doses of radiation received from CT scans. It also states that consumers are rarely warned about the risks of receiving radiation, and most patients actually feel it was important to get that additional study. The article also notes that the annual number of CT scans has increased from roughly 3 million in 1980 to over 80 million now.
The authors encourage patients to question whether these tests are necessary, research whether the imaging facility and technicians are properly credentialed, ask for the lowest effective dose of radiation, and avoid unnecessary repeat testing.
On a side note- This also applies to the radiation received when Thallium Stress testing is performed by cardiologists.
Menon Medical Center 