Radiation from CT Scans in Children Increases Risk for Cancer

Cumulative doses from 2 to 3 head computed tomography scans tripled the risk for brain tumors, and doses from 5 to 10 head CT scans tripled the risk for leukemia.

Computed tomography (CT) scans are often used in children despite relatively high radiation doses and children's sensitivity to radiation. Estimates of cancer risk following CT have not been studied directly in patients who have undergone CT scans. Researchers assessed the risk for leukemia and brain tumors in a retrospective cohort study of 178,604 children (age, <22 years) in the U.K. who did not have cancer diagnoses when they received their first CT scan between 1985 and 2002. Of the 283,919 CT scans, 64% were brain scans. To exclude cancers that were unrelated to CT scans, only leukemia diagnosed 2 years after CT and brain tumors diagnosed after 5 years were considered in the analysis.

During follow-up through 2008, 74 patients were dia…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)