CT scans significantly increase lifetime cancer risk
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 96/100
Extensive clinical and epidemiological evidence demonstrates that exposure to ionizing radiation from computed tomography (CT) scans increases lifetime cancer risk, with younger patients and females facing the highest relative risks.
Evidence for · 8
Radiation Dose Associated With Common Computed Tomography Examinations and the Associated Lifetime Attributable Risk of Cancer
2009 · cited by 2,468
The study demonstrates that common diagnostic CT scans deliver significant radiation doses and quantifies the associated lifetime attributable risk of cancer.
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More for · 7
Cancer risk in 680 000 people exposed to computed tomography scans in childhood or adolescence: data linkage study of 11 million Australians
2013 · cited by 2,011
A large cohort study found a significant dose-response increase in cancer incidence following childhood and adolescent CT scan exposure.
Projected Cancer Risks From Computed Tomographic Scans Performed in the United States in 2007
2009 · cited by 1,880
A comprehensive US analysis projects that tens of thousands of future cancers are attributable to CT scans performed annually.
The Use of Computed Tomography in Pediatrics and the Associated Radiation Exposure and Estimated Cancer Risk
2013 · cited by 1,469
Pediatric CT scans are shown to deliver substantial radiation doses, leading to projected lifetime attributable risks of cancer, particularly in younger patients and females.
Estimating Risk of Cancer Associated With Radiation Exposure From 64-Slice Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography
2007 · cited by 1,416
Calculations of organ doses from cardiac CT angiography indicate a non-negligible lifetime attributable risk of cancer, especially for younger patients and women.
Excess lifetime cancer mortality risk attributable to radiation exposure from computed tomography examinations in children.
2007 · cited by 148
Evaluation of pediatric CT scans in Israel estimates an increased lifetime risk for cancer mortality attributable to radiation exposure.
LIFETIME ATTRIBUTABLE BREAST CANCER RISK ASSOCIATED WITH RADIATION EXPOSURE FROM CHEST COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN FEMALE COVID-19 PATIENTS IN GEORGIA
2025 · cited by 0
The study calculates the lifetime attributable risk of breast cancer associated with chest CT scans, noting specific vulnerabilities in younger populations.
Determine Cumulative Radiation Dose and Lifetime Cancer Risk in Marfan Syndrome Patients Who Underwent Computed Tomography Angiography of the Aorta in Northeast Thailand: A 5-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
2022 · cited by 0
Retrospective analysis of Marfan syndrome patients undergoing serial CT angiography confirms an measurable excess lifetime risk of radiation-induced cancer.