Children Face Increased Cancer Risk from Medical Imaging, Experts urge Shift to Safer alternatives
SAN FRANCISCO – A growing body of evidence links medical imaging utilizing ionizing radiation – primarily computed tomography (CT) scans – to an increased risk of cancer in children, prompting calls for a meaningful overhaul in pediatric imaging protocols. Despite safer alternatives like ultrasound ofen being available, CT scans are frequently prioritized due to staffing convenience, a practice one leading expert calls “not best care.”
The concern stems from children’s heightened sensitivity to radiation. Their developing tissues are more vulnerable to damage that can later manifest as cancer,and they have a longer lifespan for those cancers to develop. While medical imaging is crucial for diagnosis, experts argue that the benefits of CT scans must be carefully weighed against the potential long-term risks, especially when other options exist. “Ultrasound is a great first test for patients with appendicitis or kidney stones,” explained rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, of the University of California, San Francisco. “We often use those tests for younger children but, for older children, we go directly to CT. That’s not best care.”
Smith-Bindman’s comments underscore a critical issue: the accessibility of radiation-free imaging modalities.Currently, CT scans are often favored because hospitals are more readily staffed with CT technologists than ultrasound technicians. To mitigate the risk to children, Smith-Bindman advocates for adjusting staffing models to ensure ultrasound is available on a 24/7 basis, mirroring the current accessibility of CT scans. This shift, she believes, is essential to prioritizing patient safety and minimizing needless radiation exposure.
Rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, can be reached at rebecca.smith-bindman@ucsf.edu.
