Estimating the lifetime risk of cancer associated with multiple CT scans

J Radiol Prot. 2014 Dec;34(4):825-41. doi: 10.1088/0952-4746/34/4/825. Epub 2014 Oct 23.

Abstract

Multiple CT scans are often done on the same patient resulting in an increased risk of cancer. Prior publications have estimated risks on a population basis and often using an effective dose. Simply adding up the risks from single scans does not correctly account for the survival function. A methodology for estimating personal radiation risks attributed to multiple CT imaging using organ doses is presented in this article. The estimated magnitude of the attributable risk fraction for the possible development of radiation-induced cancer indicates the necessity for strong clinical justification when ordering multiple CT scans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Computer Simulation
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Life Expectancy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / mortality*
  • Prognosis
  • Radiation Dosage*
  • Radiometry / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Russia / epidemiology
  • Sex Distribution
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / mortality*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult