Study suggests CT scans could cause 100,000 more cancer cases in U.S.

A large-scale study published in JAMA Internal Medicine by Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman estimated that CT scans performed in the U.S. could lead to over 100,000 cancer cases, primarily lung, colon, leukemia, and bladder cancers. In 2023, 61.5 million Americans underwent 93 million CT exams, exposing patients to higher doses of ionizing radiation compared to standard X-rays. The findings suggest that if current practices continue, CT-related cancers could account for 5% of annual cancer diagnoses, with similar projections applicable to Canada based on its CT scan data.

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