![]() ![]() Fipke Integrated NeuroImaging Suite, puts the risks and benefits into perspective based on the science. Vesna Sossi, who directs PET/MRI imaging in the Charles E. But how concerned should we be about the photons it and other imaging techniques expose us to when checking our bodies for damage or illness? DMCBH researcher Dr. Many of us are familiar with X-rays, the most common type of medical imaging. There is no good evidence that these scanners increase the risk of cancer.From X-rays to PET scans, our expert explains the true risks and benefits of different scanning technology used in health care, security and research. Some use non-ionising radiation, such as radio waves, which do not cause cancer.Īirport body scanners that do use ionising radiation use a very small amount. ![]() Not all scanners used at airports use ionising radiation. So someone flying in a plane would receive more cosmic radiation than someone on the ground.īut this small amount of extra radiation does not affect the risk of cancer, even for frequent flyers. There is ‘cosmic’ radiation in space, which the earth’s atmosphere shields us from. Travelling by plane is unlikely to affect your risk of cancer. You should also tell your doctor about any previous x-rays you have had as this may mean that you do not need to have more.įor information on radiation used in cancer treatment, read our page on radiotherapy. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about having a medical scan. But to diagnose some conditions an x-ray or CT scan is needed. This includes ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan). There are types of imaging that don’t use radiation. Unborn babies are at higher risk from radiation so you will be asked if there is any chance you are pregnant. The UK government sets guidelines on the amount of radiation used in medical scans so they are as safe as possible. For example, x-rays usually use less radiation than CT scans. Should I be worried about having medical scans?ĭifferent types of medical imaging give out different amounts of radiation. barium x-rays to look at the digestive system). mammography (used for breast screening).Other types of imaging that use ionising radiation include: Generally, the amount of radiation from medical imaging is less than what we are exposed to naturally over time. The health risks from medical scans are low. The benefit of correctly diagnosing and treating health conditions outweighs any potential harm from the scan. But medical x-rays and scans are very important for diagnosing illnesses. Radiation from medical imaging (such as x-rays and CT scans) slightly increases the risk of cancer.Ībout 6 in 1,000 cancers in the UK are linked to this type of radiation. These use low energy radiation (non-ionising) and don’t cause cancer.Ĭan X-rays and CT scans increase the risk of cancer? Ionising radiation is different to the radiation from mobile phones, microwaves and radios. The UK government regulates man-made ionising radiation to help reduce any health effects. There are also man-made sources of ionising radiation, including x-rays. The main source in the UK is radon gas from the ground. We are naturally exposed to a small amount of ionising radiation every day. This is because it can affect our cells and damage our DNA. High energy (ionising) radiation can cause cancer if a person is exposed to a lot of it. What types of radiation could cause cancer? ![]()
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