Evidence of cancer from medical radiation

The real trouble arises when an individual undergoes multiple tests or procedures,”  ……the number of radiation-based tests and procedures each patient undergoes should be tracked in order to estimate their cumulative radiation dose.

Radiation from medical tests linked to cancer risk: Canadian researchers By Sharon Kirkey, Postmedia News February 7, 2011 Canadian researchers appear to have proven what, until now, had only been assumed: radiation from widely-used medical tests can increase the risk of cancer. Continue reading →

February 8, 2011 Posted by Christina Macpherson | health, USA | Leave a comment

Young children’s increased cancer risk fron 3-D dental X-rays

“Keeping in mind that the radiation received has cumulative effects, adding unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient may result in a higher biological risks, particularly in the more susceptible young children……

Using 3-D X-rays for orthodontic kids may up radiation risk, Sify News, 2011-01-31 Researchers have indicated that some orthodontists may be exposing young patients to unnecessary radiation when they order 3-D X-ray imaging for simple orthodontic cases before considering traditional 2-D imaging. Continue reading →

February 2, 2011 Posted by Christina Macpherson | health, USA | Leave a comment

A nurse reflects on the overuse of medical radiation – CT scans

Before demanding a CT scan, doctors need to seriously consider the impact and repercussions of radiation exposure to the benefit of a possible diagnosis from the scan.

Are CT Scans Worth the Risk?, ADVANCE Perspective: Nurses , By Jamie L. Lantz, RN, grad student from the University of Pennsylvania, 11 Jan 2011, After working for the past four years in various emergency rooms as a registered nurse, I have noticed an increase in the number of CT scans being ordered, performed, and even repeated. Continue reading →

January 12, 2011 Posted by Christina Macpherson | health, USA | Leave a comment

Overuse of medical radiation on American children?

infants and children are at higher risk for tumors because their developing tissues are more sensitive to radiation,

U.S. Kids Getting Lots of Radiation Scans, Study Finds, Bloomberg, Jan. 4 – Exposure to radiation from medical imaging procedures such as X-rays and CT scans has become common among American children, a new study has found, prompting researchers to call for steps to be taken to ensure appropriate use of the tests to protect children. Continue reading →

January 10, 2011 Posted by Christina Macpherson | health, USA | Leave a comment

Growing medical concern over radiation and children

Health Study of Children Raises Concerns Over Radiation, New York Times, By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS  January 3, 2011 The first large study on the use of medical radiation in children says that the average child will get more than seven radiation scans by age 18. Most of them involve X-rays. But there is growing concern about CT scans, which entail far more radiation and can raise the risk of cancer. More than 3 percent of children got two or more CT scans. “That’s particularly concerning,” said Dr. Adam Dorfman of University of Michigan Medical School, the lead author of the study, which appeared Monday in The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Study of Children Raises Concerns Over Radiation – NYTimes.com

January 4, 2011 Posted by Christina Macpherson | health, USA | Leave a comment

Patients do not understand the cancer risks of CT scan radiation

patients in general have a poor understanding of CT scan radiation exposure and underestimate the possible effects of their previous CT scan experiences.

Patients Underestimate Radiation Risk from CT Scans: Study – AboutLawsuits.com, 20 Dec 10, Only about 25% of patients understand the true risks of radiation when undergoing computed tomographic imaging (CT scans), according to the findings of a new study on the public’s perceptions of radiation risk and exposure. Continue reading →

December 21, 2010 Posted by Christina Macpherson | health, USA | Leave a comment

U.S. airport radiation scanning operators poorly trained, poorly protected

The international consultant also said that TSA personnel at the scanners don’t even wear radiation detection devices.

Expert: Scanner Training More Intense Outside of US, AOL News, Andrew Schneider, 20 Dec 10, “………Transportation Security Administration screeners in the U.S. receive less training than cast members and full-time employees at Disney World, who train for several weeks or even months, depending on the position involved, according to the expert, who spoke to AOL News on condition of anonymity because he has contractual agreements with various governments and airlines. Continue reading →

December 21, 2010 Posted by Christina Macpherson | health, USA | 1 Comment

Long lasting danger from ionising radiation

The data also might provide some insight about why the rates of thyroid cancer continue to rise, as the general public is increasingly exposed to higher doses of radiation…”Ionizing radiation is a known carcinogen

Decades after childhood radiation, thyroid cancer a concern, Physorg.com, December 16, 2010 When children are exposed to head and neck radiation, whether due to cancer treatment or multiple diagnostic CT scans, the result is an increased risk of thyroid cancer for the next 58 years or longer, according to University of Rochester Medical Center research. Continue reading →

December 17, 2010 Posted by Christina Macpherson | health, USA | Leave a comment