Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Recent studies have raised concerns about CT scans, a common medical tool. In 2023, over 93 million CT scans were done. This led to about 103,000 projected cancers from radiation.

This scary number shows we need to know the risks of CT scans. As more CT scans are done worldwide, it’s key to understand their benefits and risks — and also ask, how many CT scans were checked by human experts to ensure safety and accuracy?

Key Takeaways

• Over 93 million CT scans were performed in 2023, resulting in approximately 103,000 projected cancers.
• CT scans are a significant source of radiation exposure.
• Understanding the risks associated with CT scans is critical for patients.
• Liv Hospital offers advanced care while managing radiation risks.
• Patients should be aware of the risks and benefits of CT scans.

The Growing Prevalence of CT Scans in Modern Medicine

Medical technology keeps getting better, and so does the use of CT scans. This shows both the good and bad sides of CT scans.

Historical Development and Current Usage Statistics

The first CT scan came out in the early 1970s. It changed how we diagnose diseases. Now, thanks to new tech, scans are faster and clearer. Today, over 80 million CT scans are done every year in the U.S.

Recently, the U.S. saw a 30% rise in CT scans from 2007 to now. This is because CT scans are used more in fields like cancer, heart health, and emergency care.

Key statistics on CT scan usage include:

• Over 80 million CT scans are performed annually in the United States.
• The number of CT scans has increased by more than 30% since 2007.
• CT scans are a big part of medical radiation exposure.

Benefits of CT Imaging in Diagnosis and Treatment

CT imaging has many advantages in medical care. It gives detailed pictures of the body. This helps doctors find and treat many conditions, from simple injuries to complex diseases like cancer.

Some of the key benefits of CT imaging include:

1. Rapid imaging: CT scans are great in emergencies when fast diagnosis is needed.
2. High-resolution images: They give clear pictures for accurate diagnosis.
3. Guiding treatment: CT imaging helps with procedures and surgeries.

As CT scans become more common, we must weigh their benefits against the risks. This includes the risk of radiation exposure.

Understanding How Many CT Scans Were Checked by Human Radiologists

Human radiologists are key in checking CT scans. They bring expertise and judgment to the process. A study in JAMA Internal Medicine used data from the University of California, San Francisco International CT Dose Registry. This data comes from 143 US hospitals and outpatient facilities.

The Human Element in CT Scan Interpretation

Interpreting CT scans is complex. It needs a deep understanding of human anatomy, pathology, and radiological techniques. Human radiologists add a level of expertise and nuance that automated systems can’t match. They don’t just spot abnormalities; they also understand the patient’s overall health.

Key aspects of human radiologists’ interpretation include:

• Identifying subtle abnormalities that may be missed by less experienced readers
• Contextualizing findings within the patient’s medical history and current clinical presentation
• Integrating information from multiple imaging modalities to form a complete diagnosis

Quality Assurance Through Expert Review

Expert review by human radiologists is vital for quality assurance in CT scan interpretation. This process ensures accuracy and consistency in reporting. The University of California, San Francisco International CT Dose Registry study shows how important this is.

The benefits of expert review include:

Benefit	Description
Improved Accuracy	Expert radiologists can spot subtle findings and lower interpretation errors.
Consistency in Reporting	Standardized reporting and expert review ensure consistency among radiologists and institutions.
Enhanced Patient Care	Accurate and consistent diagnoses lead to better treatment plans and outcomes for patients.

The role of human radiologists in CT scan interpretation is essential for top patient care. As medical imaging evolves, human radiologists will keep ensuring CT scans are accurately and effectively interpreted.

Key Fact #1: CT Scans Emit Ionizing Radiation, a Known Carcinogen

CT scans release ionizing radiation, a known carcinogen. This is a big risk in medical imaging. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating ions. This can damage DNA in cells, potentially leading to cancer.

What Is Ionizing Radiation and How Does It Damage Cells

Ionizing radiation is energy released during radioactive decay. It can be X-rays, gamma rays, or alpha particles. When it hits living cells, it can damage DNA, causing genetic mutations.

These mutations can disrupt normal cell function and may lead to cancer. The damage depends on the dose and how long you’re exposed to it.

Cellular damage from ionizing radiation occurs through several mechanisms:

• Direct damage to DNA, resulting in genetic mutations
• Indirect damage through the formation of free radicals, which can also harm DNA and other cellular components

Comparing CT Radiation to Other Radiation Sources

CT scans are not the only source of ionizing radiation. Other medical procedures, like certain X-rays and nuclear medicine exams, also expose you to it. Natural sources, like cosmic rays and radon gas, also emit background radiation. But CT scans give off much more radiation than regular X-rays.

A chest X-ray gives about 0.1 millisieverts (mSv), while a CT scan of the chest gives around 7 mSv. This shows why we need to think carefully before using CT scans, for patients who might need many scans over their lives.

Understanding the risks of ionizing radiation from CT scans is key for patients and healthcare providers. By knowing these risks, we can try to reduce exposure while getting the benefits of CT scans.

Key Fact #2: 93 Million CT Scans Performed Annually Lead to 103,000 Cancer Cases

A study in JAMA Internal Medicine found a shocking fact. It says 93 million CT scans each year might cause 103,000 cancer cases. This shows we need to think carefully about the risks and benefits of CT scans.

JAMA Research Findings on CT-Related Cancer

The study in JAMA Internal Medicine found something alarming. It said 93 million CT scans were done in 2023. These scans could lead to about 103,000 future cancers. This data shows how big of an impact CT scans have on cancer rates.

The 5% Contribution to All New Cancer Cases

The study also found that CT scans in 2023 could cause about 103,000 cancers. This is about 5% of all new cancer cases every year. This shows CT scans play a big role in cancer cases.

Year	Number of CT Scans	Projected Cancer Cases	Percentage of New Cancer Cases
2023	93 million	103,000	5%

The JAMA study’s data show how important it is to improve CT scan protocols to lower radiation and cancer risk. It also stresses the need for patient counseling. This ensures patients understand the benefits and risks of CT scans.

Key Fact #3: Cumulative Exposure Significantly Increases Cancer Risk

The more CT scans you have, the higher your cancer risk becomes. This is because each scan adds to your radiation exposure. This increase in exposure raises the chance of getting cancer.

Dose-Response Relationship

The link between radiation dose and cancer risk is key. Studies show that more radiation means a higher risk of cancer. This dose-response relationship helps us understand the risks of CT scans.

A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a big increase in cancer risk with more radiation. For every 100 mGy of radiation, the risk goes up a lot.

Dangers of Multiple Scans

Having many CT scans can really add up in terms of radiation exposure. This is a big worry for people who need lots of scans for ongoing health issues or check-ups.

The table below shows the risks of having multiple CT scans:

Number of CT Scans	Cumulative Dose (mSv)	Estimated Cancer Risk
1	10	1 in 2,000
3	30	1 in 670
5	50	1 in 400

Healthcare providers need to weigh the benefits of CT scans against the long-term risks. This is very important for patients who need to have many scans.

Key Fact #4: Children Face Higher Biological Risks from CT Radiation

Children are more at risk from CT radiation because they are more sensitive to it. This is a big worry for doctors. It means kids are more likely to get cancer from radiation.

Age-Related Radiation Sensitivity Explained

Children’s cells divide fast, making them more vulnerable to radiation. This is a big worry for young kids. Their growing bodies and organs can be hurt by radiation.

• Children’s bodies are growing, making their cells more prone to radiation damage.
• The risk of radiation-induced cancer is higher in children because they live longer. This gives more time for cancer to develop.
• Radiation sensitivity decreases with age, making adults less susceptible to the harmful effects of CT radiation.

Adults: Greater Absolute Risk Due to Frequency

Adults are less sensitive to radiation than kids, but are not safe from CT scan risks. Adults often have more CT scans, which means more radiation over time. This raises their risk of getting cancer from radiation.

Key factors contributing to the increased risk in adults include:

1. Frequency of CT scans: Adults are more likely to have multiple CT scans, increasing their overall radiation exposure.
2. Cumulative dose: The more CT scans an adult has, the higher their cumulative radiation dose, and the greater their risk of radiation-induced cancer.

It’s important for both patients and doctors to understand these risks. This helps make better choices about using CT scans.

Key Fact #5: Specific Cancer Types Linked to CT Radiation Exposure

CT scans use ionizing radiation, which can lead to several cancers. This shows a big health risk. It’s key to know the risks of CT scans.

Lung, Colon, and Leukemia Connections

A study in JAMA Internal Medicine found links to lung, colon, leukemia, bladder, and breast cancer. It shows we need to think carefully before using CT scans. This is true for those needing many scans over their lives.

Lung cancer is a big worry because it’s common. Colon cancer is also risky, more so for those with a family history.

Thyroid, Breast, and Bladder Cancer Risks

Other cancers like thyroid, breast, and bladder, are also linked to CT scans. The thyroid is very sensitive to radiation. This is a big worry, mainly for kids.

Breast cancer risk is high for women who get many CT scans. Doctors must think about this risk, mainly for younger women.

Bladder cancer is less common but linked to CT scans, too. The more radiation you get, the higher your cancer risk. This shows we should use CT scans wisely.

Key Fact #6: Modern Protocols Can Significantly Reduce Radiation Risks

Modern protocols help lower risks from CT scans. They use new technology to cut down on radiation exposure.

ALARA Principle in Clinical Practice

The ALARA principle is key in radiology. It means using the least amount of radiation needed for good images. This is done by adjusting CT scanner settings for each patient.

Key aspects of the ALARA principle include:

• Optimizing scan parameters based on patient size and age
• Using the lowest possible radiation dose to achieve diagnostic image quality
• Implementing dose reduction technologies and protocols

The American College of Radiology says the ALARA principle is vital. It ensures doses are as low as possible while keeping images clear.

“The goal of the ALARA principle is to minimize radiation exposure to patients while achieving the needed diagnostic information.” –

American College of Radiology

Technological Advances Reducing Radiation Doses

New technology has greatly helped lower radiation doses in CT scans. Some of these advancements include:

• Iterative reconstruction techniques that improve image quality at lower doses
• Automatic exposure control systems that adjust radiation based on patient size
• Advanced detector materials and designs that increase efficiency

These new technologies, along with the ALARA principle, have made CT scans safer. They reduce the risks from radiation.

Key Fact #7: Patient Counseling and Informed Consent Are Essential

Informed consent and patient counseling are key to making sure patients know the risks and benefits of CT scans. When a doctor suggests a CT scan, it’s important for patients to grasp the reasons and what it might mean for them.

Questions to Ask Before Undergoing a CT Scan

Before getting a CT scan, patients should talk a lot with their doctor. It’s important to ask:

• What are the benefits of having a CT scan in my specific medical situation?
• Are there alternative imaging methods that could be used instead of a CT scan?
• What are the possible risks, like radiation exposure?
• How will the scan’s results affect my treatment?
• Are there ways to reduce radiation during the scan?

Asking these questions helps patients make informed decisions and feel okay with the procedure.

Understanding the Risk-Benefit Analysis

Every medical procedure, like CT scans, needs a risk-benefit analysis. This is comparing the scan’s benefits to its risks. The main benefit of CT scans is often getting an accurate diagnosis or monitoring a condition. But, there’s a risk of radiation exposure, which might increase cancer risk.

Patients should talk to their doctor about their own risks. This includes their health history, age, and why they need the scan. This helps them see if the scan’s benefits are worth the risks for them.

By being involved in the decision-making and understanding the risk-benefit analysis, patients can make better choices about their health.

Conclusion: Balancing Diagnostic Benefits Against Long-Term Cancer Risks

It’s important to balance the good of CT scans with the risk of cancer. A study in the National Library of Medicine shows we need to think carefully about these risks. The study found that CT scans can raise cancer risks by a lot, with a 5.89 odds ratio for adults. You can learn more about this on the National Library of Medicine website.

CT scans are very useful for diagnosing and treating diseases. But they also carry risks of cancer. Doctors must carefully consider these risks. By understanding and reducing radiation exposure, they can lower cancer risks from CT scans.

To find the right balance, doctors need to look at each patient’s situation. This way, they can use CT scans when they’re most helpful while keeping risks low.

FAQ

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Reference

• Smith-Bindman, R., Miglioretti, D., Larson, E. B., et al. (2025). Projected lifetime cancer risks from current computed tomography (CT) utilization in the United States. JAMA Internal Medicine.https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2832778
  
• NIH Research Matters. (2025). Radiation from CT scans and cancer risks.https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/radiation-ct-scans-cancer-risks