This medical test may cause cancer due to ‘unfathomable’ mistake — and it’s performed 93M times a year in the US

New York Post ^ | March 11, 2025 | McKenzie Beard

[nickcarraway]

As the federal government investigates America’s chronic disease epidemic, some experts are warning that a popular diagnostic tool may be a contributing factor. CT scans, a go-to for diagnosing everything from tumors to infections to bone fractures, are facing increased scrutiny. Experts say the radiation doses they deliver can vary dramatically — and often exceed what’s necessary.

“Many patients still routinely receive radiation doses two or three times what they should,” said Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, a professor at the University of California-San Francisco medical school. “That will lead to cancer in a small percentage of patients, approximately 36,000 cancers every year.”

What are CT scans?

Computerized tomography is a medical imaging procedure that uses X-rays to create detailed, three-dimensional images of the body. Every year, an estimated 93 million CT scans are performed in the US, up from just 3 million in 1980. ​​The surge isn’t accidental — these machines have revolutionized diagnostics, reducing the need for invasive procedures like exploratory surgeries, per Harvard Health.

[montag813]

My cat scans are very accurate. If she avoids someone they usually turn out to be a problem, and if she jumps on their lap, they are usually nice people.

[montag813]

Yeah and a new dentist always wants you to get a “full set” and insists “the dose is a fraction of the old machines,” as they cower behind the wall

[pfflier]

I get a full cat scan nightly

We do too! Except the cat is crosseyed so I don't think we get the full impact.

[whistleduck]

As do I. Some would go in with just that intent and no desire for shoes. Just how long was the average employee life span?

[Bob434]

I have lost count of how many CT scans, MRI’s, PET scans, x-rays, and a few others that i’ve had- Some years there were several- some fairly close together-

[ChessExpert]

Do they still do scans at airports? It’s been a long time since I last flew. I chose a pat-down instead of a scan last time. They were polite enough. No overt eyerolls, though you do have to repeat yourself to be understood.

[Faith65]

Dental x-rays can cause thyroid cancer and brain cancer.

Source: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/thy.2019.0105

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I have had heated discussions with my dental tech about concerns of having too many xrays.
Thanks for this info!

[Albion Wilde]

Ping!

[Albion Wilde]

Is it the CT technology, or is it that DEI scan operators are causing a noticeable uptick?

[Myrddin]

Last year I had lots of CT scans. I also had multiple trips to interventional radiology to place drains in my abdomen and to embolize a bleeding renal artery. Placement of the NJ tube was also done with a fluoroscope. Lots of radiation and contrast. There is no way to know if the 3000 RADs through my gut in 1985 for the first cancer set the stage for last year's festivities. The literature says that the 5 year prognosis for ampullary cancer has a median death at 36 months after a successful Whipple procedure with a range of 32% to 67%. Examining the stage and histology reports puts me in the 32% range. All the CT scans were necessary at the time to assess pneumonia and an aortic aneurysm. The pneumonia is resolved. The aneurysm is too high risk to attempt.

[alexander_busek]

“Many patients still routinely receive radiation doses two or three times what they should,” said Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, a professor at the University of California-San Francisco medical school.

What could go wrong?

Regards,

[BiteYourSelf]

I am so screwed.🙄

[BiteYourSelf]

Yah,they use ANTI-MATTER.🤔

[catnipman]

“As a diagnostic tool, CAT scanning is more valuable to a patient than a risk. Sure, reduce the dosage to what is necessary but let’s not get our panties in a bunch over this.”

indeed ... as well as fluoroscopy during life-saving procedures such as coronary artery stenting, ablation procedures, and keyhole surgery of all kinds ...

i’m very grateful for such life-saving imagery ...

[Rockingham]

Such “tumor seeding” is said to be rare, less than a one per cent risk. Defects in the precision of conventional biopsies have led to the investigation of biopsies using detailed radiation scans or blood samples. These methods though are not ready yet for general use.

[BBB333]

Peace and God Bless to you, FRiend.

[Myrddin]

Peace and God Bless to you, FRiend.

Thanks. The Whipple gave me time. It's not perfect, but I'm happy with the result of finding and removing the cancer.

[exnavy]

I only trust in the God Of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

[exnavy]

Actually, many men in the old testament lived for 800 or 900 years.

[exnavy]

Tell that to Noah, he lived 950 years.