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Reduce medical radiation, to reduce cancer risks

….Radiation is a known carcinogen. Therefore, before exposing a person to this amount of radiation, the pros and cons of performing a CT scan must be carefully considered……

Dr. Murray Feingold: Weighing in on radiation controversy – Chillicothenews, 20 July 2010, “……. Each year about 75 million CT scans are performed. But how safe are they?.   CT scans use radiation; MRIs do not. The amount of radiation varies depending upon the part of the body being examined. The radiation dose is about 100 to 500 times greater than regular X-ray examinations, maybe even higher when specialized CT studies are done…….Radiation is a known carcinogen. Therefore, before exposing a person to this amount of radiation, the pros and cons of performing a CT scan must be carefully considered……

A major issue is that too many CT scans are now being preformed and this number needs to be reduced.

In a survey of Massachusetts physicians, it was determined that 28 percent of diagnostic imaging referrals for CT scans and MRIs were done because the doctors were concerned about malpractice suits.

Then, radiologists who interpret the CT scan may order even more images to reduce their uncertainty.

Another important issue is the radiation dose. Researchers believe that in most cases, it can be reduced. Previous studies have shown that reducing the dosage by 50 percent usually does not decrease diagnostic accuracy.

More attention must be paid to the inadvertent radiation that is sometimes released by the CT scanning equipment.

Dr. Murray Feingold: Weighing in on radiation controversy – Chillicothe, MO – Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune

July 21, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | 2 WORLD, health | antinuclear, cancer, nuclear, radiation, radioactive