radiation

Cindy28282

I just read this in the Globe and Mail, which (I think) is our largest paper in Canada: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life...icle1361412/ It's about radiation risks from x-rays and CAT scans. Is anyone worried about this, or think that it's a real issue? 

pk0199

Cindy, this is a very good question. X-rays and CAT scans use ionizing radiation and yes we should be concerned with our dose rates. Most of the equipment now uses a lot less radiation than lets say 20 years ago but one should only have these tests done if they are needed. I see many people for example who have a knee xray and 6 months later come back for the xrays again because their knee still hurts they have not re-injured or anything, these are not theraputic xrays! One needs to ask their dr when xrays are ordered, what do you hope to find, will the results of the xray change how the doctor is going to manage your problem, are the xrays really necessary or are you just ordering them so it looks like the doctor is doing something. For example right now, we are seeing an increase in chest xrays with the H1N1 virus. Having a chest xray is not going to significantly change how they are going to manage your symptoms (disclaimer some severe cases will warrant a chest xray) a chest xray will not dx H1N1. So when sent for any test of any kind one needs to ask those questions. Many "tests" can have lasting effects and cumulative effects as well.

Cindy28282

Thank you for the quick reply - that was very helpful! There was a segment on this on Global TV news. The president of the radiology association for Canada agreed that there are risks, and patients aren't being informed of them.