CT Scans May Raise Cancer Risk in Children

A new study suggests that children who receive multiple CT scans may have a slightly higher risk of developing leukemia and brain cancer later in their lives.

The study, published in the journal Lancet, involved about 180,000 patients under age 22 who received a CT scan in British hospitals between 1985 and 2002, according to the Associated Press. Researchers followed the patients until 2008 and found that 135 of them had brain tumors and 74 developed leukemia.

Researchers concluded that children who received two to three CT scans had a threefold risk of having a brain tumor and the risk of leukemia tripled with five to 10 CT scans, according to the AP. They did note that the scanners used today emit about 80 percent less radiation than the ones used in the study.

"If an imaging scan is warranted, the immediate benefits outweigh what is still a very small long-term risk," Dr. Marta Schulman, chair of the American College of Radiology’s Pediatric Imaging Commission, told the AP. "Parents should certainly discuss risk with their provider, but not refuse care that may save and extend their child's life."

If you or a loved one has been harmed by an unsafe medical procedure, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if you may be able to pursue legal action. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

Tags: