Every year, millions of French people undergo this exam, believing it’s protecting their health. However, a study reveals that it could be associated with 5% of cancers. So, should we be alarmed? The answer is more nuanced than it seems. Through the explanations of a medical specialist, we will discover how to use this valuable medical tool while limiting the risks.
Medical scanner: a health ally to be used with discernment
Imagine having to choose between crossing a sturdy but windy bridge or taking an uncertain detour: having a medical scan is a bit like that. It’s an extremely useful test, but it requires some precautions .
CT scanning, or computed tomography (CT), uses X-rays to create highly accurate images of the inside of the body. This technology allows many serious illnesses to be detected early, avoiding the need for extensive treatment or major complications.
However, a recent study from the University of California, San Francisco, has highlighted an often-overlooked fact: radiation emitted by CT scans could be responsible for approximately 5% of cancers each year in the United States, or nearly 100,000 cases. This is important information to know… without giving in to alarmism .
A risk to be put into perspective, according to doctors
Oncologist Dr. Ivan Pourmir points out that the goal is not to panic. Quite the opposite: he emphasizes that CT scanning remains an essential tool when used properly. The real risk comes from excessive or unjustified use, not from the scan itself .
For example, in an adult aged 50 to 59, radiation exposure is significant, but the benefits of early diagnosis far outweigh it. In young children, however, the risk is higher because their developing cells are particularly sensitive to the effects of radiation.
It’s comparable to enjoying the sun to warm up: beneficial in small doses, but risky if you expose yourself for a long time without protection.
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