CT scans are a common test used by radiologists to examine what’s happening inside the body. These scans use a small amount of radiation, raising concerns that they could cause cancer.
Mark Supanich, PhD, director for diagnostic medical physics at Rush, sets the record straight.
“If you’re getting a CT scan, you’re getting it for a medical reason,” says Supanich, who focuses on the safety and quality of CT scans at Rush. “And we have safety measures put in place to ensure we’re getting the information we need to care for your condition, all while prioritizing your health and using the lowest amount of radiation that is reasonable.”
What they’re used for
A computerized tomography scan, more commonly known as a CT scan, is a quick, painless test that takes about 15 minutes. It uses X-rays and a computer to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body, including bones, blood vessels and soft tissues.
CT scans show more detail than regular X-rays and can help your doctor find problems like injuries, infections or tumors. They’re also used to plan surgery, radiation therapy and other procedures and treatments.
“CT scans help doctors get fast, clear answers when it matters most. The scans can catch cancer early and even keep you from needing surgeries or other procedures by showing exactly what’s going on,” he says. “It’s a tool that helps doctors make the best decisions for your care.”
The risks
With any medical procedure, whether it’s a simple blood draw or complex surgery, there’s an element of risk.
“For a lot of procedures, the risk is accepted because there’s an overall benefit to your health. The same can be said for CT scans.”
During a CT scan, you’re briefly exposed to a type of energy called ionizing radiation, Supanich explains. It’s similar to the small amounts we’re exposed to every day from cosmic rays, the ground, food and even the air we breathe.
Some studies have suggested a link between CT scan radiation and cancer, but Supanich says that research comes from studying people who were already exposed to very high levels of radiation, like survivors of the atomic bomb attacks in Japan. These studies often compare those high doses to the much lower doses used in CT scans, which he says is still an area of scientific debate.
“There isn’t an established link between the two,” Supanich says. “And the risks for anyone receiving a CT scan are miniscule compared to the current cancer rates.”
Personalizing CT scans
During a CT scan, the machine can actually adjust the amount of radiation.
“When you come in for a CT scan, the imaging team will adjust the amount of radiation the system uses based on the reason you’re getting a CT scan and your physical size,” he says. “The machine will then automatically adjust based on those conditions to ensure you’re getting the right level of radiation that is safe for you and your condition, while answering the question at hand.”
Some health issues, like a small spot of cancer on the liver, for example, are harder to see on a scan than something like a kidney stone and require a higher level of radiation. At the same time, Supanich cautions that using too little radiation can be a problem.
“If the radiation dose is too low, you might not get a clear answer, and that’s wasted radiation,” he says. “The risk of missing something important — and early on — is much higher than the small risk from the scan itself.”
Your safety comes first
Imaging experts have worked for years to make sure CT scans are used safely — and only when needed, Supanich says.
“We’re continuing to work hard to get the best image quality for each scan while using less radiation,” he says. “And being able to offer the latest CT technology at Rush, helps us lower the dose even more.”
If you have concerns about safety and your CT scan, Supanich suggests talking with your doctor about the reason for the exam.
“Find out how the CT scan will inform your diagnosis or treatment plan, and what question it’s answering,” he says. “And if you’re able to get that answer, know that going through with the CT scan has a benefit that far outweighs any future risk, and that your doctor’s priority is your health and safety.”
For more information, or to schedule your CT scan, visit us online or call (888) 352-7874.
