London, England – Experts in the field of cancer screening are emphasizing the importance of weighing the risks and benefits of CT scans for patients. Despite the rise in the use of CT scans in recent years, researchers are urging doctors to consider alternative imaging options and diagnostic algorithms to ensure the optimal balance in patient care.
Emeritus professor of Cancer Screening, Stephen Duffy, acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the estimates related to the cancer risks posed by CT scans. While the additional risk of cancer associated with CT scans is small, standing at around 0.1 percent over a patient’s lifetime per examination, the potential benefits in diagnosis and treatment outweigh this minimal increase in risk.
Cancer biology expert, Doreen Lau, emphasizes that the benefits of detecting or ruling out serious illnesses through CT scans far outweigh the potential harm. However, it is crucial for medical professionals to carefully evaluate the necessity of CT scans and explore alternative imaging options such as ultrasounds and MRIs.
In an editorial accompanying the research, experts Ilana Richman and Mitchell Katz from prestigious universities discuss the importance of educating clinicians on avoiding unnecessary testing and involving patients in the decision-making process. By implementing these strategies, doctors can ensure they are making informed decisions that prioritize patient care and minimize risks associated with unnecessary scans.
Overall, the consensus among experts is that while CT scans play a vital role in detecting and treating diseases, there is a need to strike a balance between their benefits and potential risks. By fostering a culture of informed decision-making and utilizing alternative imaging techniques, the medical community can ensure that patient care is optimized while minimizing unnecessary exposure to risks.