The use of Computed Tomographic (CT) scans as a diagnostic tool has increased over the decades. The amount of radiation used in CT scans is much greater than regular X-rays. New research is predicting that 29,000 new cases of cancer (mostly breast cancer) will be diagnosed as a result of overuse of CT scans. Radiation is cumulative and builds up in the body, damaging precious DNA. When DNA gets damaged, the body's ability to heal and repair itself can become compromised (among other health issues). DNA damage may inhibit the genes responsible for shutting down production of cell proliferation at damaged sites. This, in turn, can lead to the over abundance of cells, which can then become tumors. For example, B cell prominent Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a result of damage to the DNA responsible for activating the gene that signals B cells to stop reproducing. B cells are part of the immune system and aid in healing. When they don't get the signal to shut off, they keep growing and tumors may form.

This news is especially worrisome for cancer patients, as CT scans are the standard for diagnostics and staging. Cancer patients can have several CT scans throughout the course of their cancer treatments and then, subsequently, as part of the follow-up care they receive. Since radiation can cause DNA damage and DNA damage can contribute to cancer, it is no surprise, to me, that so many cancers relapse or secondary cancers show up within a year or a few years of initial cancer treatments.

Women who have or want to avoid breast cancer (as well as lung cancer, etc) need to take heed. The radiation begins to add up the minute the mammogram tech runs to the other side of the plexy glass and hits the switch. If there is a positive result of some kind, there may be additional chest X-rays and, of course, CT scans. Since women receive 60% of the CT scans ordered, it is not surprising that breast cancer is so prominent in our population. Some will argue that breast cancer incidence and mortality has declined over the past decade, which is true, but if you look at the chart, you will find the biggest decline came in the wake of reduced use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which has been linked to breast cancer. Since the reduction of HRT, breast cancer levels have dropped, but have currently flattened out. The use of CT scans continues to increase every year and, I believe, we have not yet begun to see the full repercussions.