Though CT scan is very beneficial, there is a common concern among some people that due to radiation, the scan causes cancer. However, the risk of getting cancer from CT scans is low. And for many people suffering from severe health problems, the small risk of radiation exposure is worth trying. The doctor will ensure that the benefits of a CT scan far outweigh the downsides.

The ionizing radiation used during a CT scan has the potential to damage the DNA of the cells in the human body. Another cause of worry among people is that CT scan has more exposure to radiation than any other imaging tests such as mammograms and X-rays. For instance, radiation in one chest CT scan can equal 100-200 X-rays. It might sound terrifying, but scientifically, the total amount is still very low for getting cancer.

Having said that, it is essential to know that each of us is exposed to ionizing radiation every day, given the naturally radioactive material present in our surroundings. An average person in a year gets about 3 millisieverts (mSv), a unit that scientists use to quantify radiation.

So, by that number, each CT scan releases, or delivers between 1 and 10 mSv, depending on the radiation dose, and the body part being tested. A low-dose CT scan for the chest delivers about 1.5 mSv, while the same test with a regular dose releases around 7 mSv. The more the number of CT scans, the more radiation exposure one would get. However, even that should not stop you from getting tested if the doctor advises more tests.

Can a CT scan lead to cancer ?

Now here comes the crux of the discussion. Can every CT scan cause cancer or any other problem? Of course not, but repetitive CT scans may trigger cancer. The consequence depends upon several factors such as age, gender, and the body part to be examined, otherwise, the cancer chances are low.

If sensitive organs such as lungs, breasts, bone marrow, and thyroid gland, which possess fast-dividing cells, come in regular contact with the radiation the chances of getting cancer are high as compared to other parts. The chances of cancer are more for the patient with a grave life-threatening medical case.

If you have doubts in mind, the best way is to talk to your doctor and pose some questions such as what are risks, how the CT scan will affect my treatment, how will you protect your body parts during the scan, etc.

Depending on your condition, he may recommend imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound that don’t use radiation.

Lastly, if the doctor prescribes you a CT scan, make sure you get one done, as it will aid the doctors to spot any risky health problems and accordingly provide treatment for it.