09/10/2025
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New Study Raises Alarm Over Cancer Risk from CT Scans in the U.S.
A recently published study in JAMA Internal Medicine has raised significant concerns about the long-term health implications of computed tomography (CT) scans in the United States.
According to the researchers, CT scans performed in 2023 alone—estimated at 93 million procedures—could be responsible for approximately 103,000 future cancer cases.
This figure represents about 5% of all new cancer diagnoses expected in the coming years.
The study underscores the trade-off between the undeniable diagnostic value of CT imaging and the potential harm from cumulative radiation exposure.
CT scans use ionizing radiation, which, while effective for internal imaging, is a known carcinogen when exposure is frequent or unnecessary.
The authors call for more judicious use of imaging technologies, emphasizing the need to weigh clinical benefits against potential long-term risks—especially in cases where alternative diagnostic methods may be available.
The findings also highlight the importance of continued innovation in low-dose imaging and stricter adherence to clinical guidelines to minimize unnecessary exposure.
