Exposure to single CT scan in children tied to low cancers risk, but four or more CTs double risk
Taiwan: A recent study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) has highlighted the importance of the prudent use of computed tomography (CT) in the pediatric population.
The study showed that among children under the age of 18 years, exposure to a single CT scan was not associated with increased risks of subsequent brain tumours, lymphoma, or leukaemia. However, the researchers observed increased cancer risks among those with four or more CT scans; the risk was doubled, particularly among young children.
The researchers found that for 1 CT scan, there was no increased risk of any of the cancers compared with no exposure. Children who received 2 to 3 CT scans had an increased risk of intracranial tumours; those who received four or more CT scans had a more than twofold risk of intracranial tumours, leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Computed tomography in children has increased worldwide in recent decades, but there is conflicting evidence about cancer risks from these scans in this cohort. Computed tomography scans use low-dose radiation that can damage cells.
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