Diagnostic X-rays Cause Cancer

The common question we get asked at Quality Occupational Health is the risk associated with having diagnostic x-rays. Some patients are very keen to have investigations such as CT scans for soft tissue injuries. Rarely are these useful in changing treatment or establishing diagnoses.

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with extremely short wavelength. They travel at the speed of light. They have high penetration ability. They can cause cancer.

To reduce the risks of cancer we should avoid any unnecessary x-rays. Generally we compare x-ray doses with the background level of radiation people receive. It is worth noting that particularly for some x-rays such as lumbar spine, the dose needed is equivalent to one year’s background radiation.

Fear has risen since the number of CT scans has increased in recent years. They deliver substantially larger doses of radiation than conventional x-rays. A study from the Lancet in 2004 reviewed the research on this topic. (Berrington de Gonzalez, A and Darby S. Risk of cancer from diagnostic X-rays: estimates for the UK and 14 other countries. The Lancet. 363, 345-351. January, 2004).

They concluded that thousands of cancer cases were caused by diagnostic x-ray exposure. For instance they estimated 5,600 excess cancer cases in the United States alone from x-ray exposure. They concluded that x-rays and CT scans should only be ordered when absolutely necessary. They also recommend using non x-ray investigations such as ultrasound and MRI wherever possible.

If you would like any more information please feel free to contact the doctors at Quality Occupational Health.