Why You Should Seriously Think Twice Before Getting a CT Scan
We all know that certain medical tests can expose us to radiation. The question is how much radiation? Is the exposure more harmful than the benefit of the test? Many of us think about this, but no one asks and no medical providers are running around volunteering the details. So here is some information you should know, research, and consider before agreeing to your next x-ray or CT scan.
In the forefront has been the controversy about the CT scan. Doctors use this test to diagnose everything from concussions to cancers. Recent studies confirm that the frequency of drs. ordering CT scans has nearly tripled since 1996. One of the concerns is that for children, the risk of radiation exposure may be especially high.
An international study that was performed followed children who has CT scans for a 23 year period. The children who had these scans performed were THREE times as likely to develop a brain cancer and FOUR times as likely to develop a leukemia than those children who did NOT have any CT scans performed.
Scary statistics.
Sometimes there is no option and an x-ray or CT scan MUST be performed in order to rule out a life threatening condition. In those cases, where you are sure you have no other choices, the benefit far outweighs the risk. When the scan is an option, one must think long and hard before exposing yourself to that amount of radiation. Ask your doctor! Speak up! Can any other test be performed to diagnose me? Is this CT scan absolutely necessary for my health?
Studies reveal that the amount of radiation exposure from ONE CT scan is equal to:
100-250 chest x-rays
1,400 dental x-rays
240 Five Hour flights
70,000 airport scans
19 years of smoking a pack of cigarettes a day
NOW....if THAT information does not make you think...I don't know what will.
James Salwitz
12:19 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
Excellent information. Underscores the overwhelming need to make careful health care decisions not only about treatments, but tests. Note that the amount of radiation from smoking cigarettes for many years is equivalent to the radiation from a CT scan. None-the-less smoking is far more dangerous then CT scans because most of the damage from smoking is not from radiation but from dozens of other more toxic chemicals. jcs
So Much to Say
3:35 pm on Sunday, July 15, 2012
About Corine
I am a Medical Malpractice Paralegal currently working for Martin Kane & Kuper Esqs. East Brunswick, NJ. I have over 20 years experience working with Plaintiff attorneys in case review and development. My in-depth medical investigations have awarded me the utmost respect in the legal community. I am the Co-Author of the Award Winning Book, "Medical Tips From the Inside...Things You Need To Know!" by Merit Publishing International. I am the Co-Host of a TV show on Princeton TV called, "Medical Tips You Need To Know!" I have done book signings/lectures through out the tri-state area, been interviewed by dozens of newspapers, magazines, and radio shows nationally, as well as appearing on local cable TV shows in our area. I am an active volunteer for the American Cancer Society, the AS-CAN Network, a Hospice Volunteer for The Center for Hope Hospice, Peppermints & Ginger Comfort Kits and The Simuel Whitfield Simmons Organization. I believe that everyone needs to get involved in their healthcare and play an active part - you only get one life, so take care of it the best you can!
So Much to Say
3:37 pm on Sunday, July 15, 2012
WOW....You work for a ambulance chaser attorney? If my doctors says I need a CAT, I will do whatever he says. Stop instilling fear, it discredits you. Your "About" makes this hogwash article make sense.
Corine Mogenis
9:14 am on Monday, July 16, 2012
These studies have been done internationally. Time, Newsweek and many other credible publications have printed articles on this starting in 2007 until recently. You can choose to do whatever you want regarding your healthcare. The point is everyone has a choice and needs to be informed. I am not here to instill fear, just RELAY THE FACTS. All you have to do is research it and you will find it is true fact and not "hogwash." PS - I do not work for an ambulance chaser attorney. We pride ourselves on taking only selective credible cases. Making that generalized statement is closed minded and ignorant, but then again, so is your assumption that the facts in this blog post are inaccurate. Maybe your time would be best spent researching the topic instead of attacking the truth in such a rude and ignorant way.
Joe R
8:54 pm on Sunday, July 15, 2012
From Time magazine, 6-27-08: "Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scans help doctors detect everything from cancer to kidney stones. But some physicians are raising concerns about the safety of such procedures — most notably, an increase in cancer risk. A CT scan packs a mega-dose of radiation — as much as 500 times that of a conventional X-ray. If your doctor orders a CT scan for you or your child, should you think twice?
Absolutely, say researchers behind two recent studies that sound the alarm about the increased cancer risk associated with multiple CT scans."
Corine Mogenis
9:17 am on Monday, July 16, 2012
All you have to do is search the internet for radiation exposure from CT scans. You will find numerous articles, stuides and information that wil provide you with this and more information. It is out there so you can make an informed decision.
Thank you Dr. Salwitz for weighing in as well. Who is better qualified to comment than an onclogist as well?
Steven Kairys
11:41 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012
An important discussion. CT scans are used for children because they are quick and easy to do. The children usually don't have to be sedated and even a small hospital can perform them. Sometimes they can give truly vital information. However there are three points to raise. First, CT scans are used too much because of the fear of malpractice. Children with headaches, children with minor trauma or concussions do not need CT scans; children with acute abdominal pain don't usually need them. Second, there are non radiation methods of obtaining the same or better information. Ultrasounds are also easy to do and there is no radiation; however, the test only works if there is a skilled technician to perform the study and an equally skilled radiologist to interpret the results. So sadly, ultrasounds are not available for children in most community hospitals and even in some children's hospitals. Third, the most sensitive and specific procedure, an MRI also contains no radiation, but takes a long time to perform and most young children need to be kept very still for those long periods, which means some form of sedation or even anesthesia.
As advice to parents, I would always ask if the CT is really needed. If so, and the idea of transfer to a different center is too difficult, then at least ask that the most minimal amount of radiation be used for the CT. Yes, CT's can be done using lower amounts of radiation.
Steven Kairys, MD