Scientists Warn CT Scans Are Actually Causing Cancer

A groundbreaking study from the University of California reveals that CT scans, widely used for medical imaging, may cause one in 20 cancers, with young children facing a tenfold higher risk. This alarming finding underscores the potential danger of radiation exposure from these scans, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Computed tomography (CT) scans, which rely on X-rays to produce detailed internal images, are performed approximately five million times annually by the NHS to diagnose conditions like cancer, stroke, and broken bones, or to monitor treatment progress. However, the research highlights that this routine procedure could elevate the risk of developing lung, breast, and other cancers, prompting urgent calls for reevaluating its widespread use, especially in pediatric care.

Dailymail.co.uk reports: This comes as MailOnline reported cancer care in the UK is at ‘breaking point’ and lagging behind other countries because of ‘gross mismanagement’.

Delayed cancer treatment has become ‘the deadly norm’ and no improvements will be made without radical change, leading doctors say.

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Writing in medical journal The Lancet Oncology, they criticise the Labour government for continuing to consult on changes rather than delivering them.

The new study found that nearly 103,000 cancers were expected from the 93 million CT scans that were performed in 2023 in the US – about three to four times more than previous estimates.

The risk of cancer from CT scans is estimated to be on par with alcohol consumption and excess body weight. 

Researchers analysed 93million exams from 61.5million patients in the US to calculate how often cancer developed.

They found that in adults scans of the abdomen and pelvis were likely to cause most problems while in children the biggest risk came from CTs of the head.

Cancers predicted to arise from the excess radiation included lung, colon, leukaemia, bladder, breast and thyroid.

The risks were highest among those who underwent CT when they were under one year old.

Lynda Johnson, professional officer for clinical imaging and radiation protection at the Society of Radiographers, said: ‘Accurate communication around the benefits and risks of CT is essential to protect the public from harm.

‘Focusing on risk alone is not helpful and, in some cases, might prevent a person from attending a scan that could provide early diagnosis of cancer.

‘Anyone undergoing a CT scan must be provided with balanced, accurate and relevant information to enable them to understand what it means to them as an individual in terms of their diagnosis, treatment and potential long-term care.’

The study, published in the journal Jama Internal Medicine, pointed out that CT scan rates are much higher in the US than in the UK.

Dr Doreen Lau, a lecturer in inflammation, ageing and cancer biology at Brunel University of London, said: ‘The findings don’t mean that people should avoid CT scans when recommended by a doctor.

‘In most cases, the benefit of detecting or ruling out serious illness far outweighs the very small risk of harm. What this research highlights is the need to minimise unnecessary imaging and use the lowest dose possible, particularly in settings where CT usage is high.

‘Where appropriate, clinicians may also consider alternative imaging methods that do not involve ionising radiation, such as MRI or ultrasound – especially for younger patients, or when repeat imaging is anticipated.’

Stephen Duffy, emeritus professor of cancer screening at Queen Mary University of London, added: ‘I would say to patients that if you are recommended to have a CT scan, it would be wise to do so.’