Is One in Ten Blood Cancers in Kids Linked to Radiation from Medical Imaging?
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Synopsis
A recent study reveals a shocking statistic: one in ten blood cancers in children may be caused by radiation exposure from medical imaging. This highlights the importance of evaluating the necessity of imaging procedures and minimizing radiation exposure to protect the health of our children.
Key Takeaways
- One in ten blood cancers in children linked to radiation from medical imaging.
- Radiation exposure is a known carcinogen.
- Children's radiosensitivity makes them more vulnerable.
- Minimizing radiation during imaging is crucial.
- Study analyzed data from 3.7 million children.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (NationPress) While medical imaging plays a critical role in saving lives, a concerning study indicates that one in ten blood cancers among children can be traced back to radiation exposure from medical imaging techniques. Medical imaging is vital for timely diagnosis and effective treatment; however, it exposes patients to ionising radiation, which is a recognized carcinogen, especially through computed tomography (CT) scans.
Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco and Davis analyzed data from nearly four million children and deduced that around 3,000 cancers could be linked to radiation exposure from medical imaging.
The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, revealed that the risk escalated proportionally with the cumulative radiation dose received by the children.
According to Rebecca Smith-Bindman, a radiologist and professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at UCSF, "Children are especially susceptible to cancers induced by radiation due to their increased radiosensitivity and longer life expectancy."
The research highlights the pressing need to meticulously assess and reduce radiation exposure during pediatric imaging procedures.
"This means ensuring imaging is only conducted when it is absolutely necessary for the child's care and, in cases like CT scans, employing the lowest feasible radiation doses," added Smith-Bindman.
The team advised medical professionals and parents to limit radiation doses and minimize exposure when it is clinically appropriate.
This study utilized a retrospective cohort design, reviewing the imaging histories of 3.7 million children born between 1996 and 2016.
The investigators identified a significant correlation between cumulative radiation doses and the risk of hematologic malignancies, which encompass tumors affecting the blood, bone marrow, lymph, and lymphatic system.
Among children who underwent a head CT, roughly a quarter of the subsequent hematologic malignancies were attributed to radiation exposure.
Conversely, for children who underwent radiographs, only a small percentage of their later cancers were associated with radiation.
Receiving one or two head CT scans was linked to a 1.8-fold increase in cancer risk, which increased to 3.5 times for those who had more scans and thus higher radiation exposure.
Lymphoid malignancies constituted 79.3 percent of cases, while myeloid malignancies and acute leukemia made up 15.5 percent. Approximately 58 percent of the cancers were found in males, with about half diagnosed in children under 5 years old.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the balance between the benefits of medical imaging and the associated risks of radiation exposure, especially in children. This study serves as a vital reminder that while medical imaging can be lifesaving, rigorous evaluation and judicious use are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of our youngest patients.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many blood cancers in children are linked to medical imaging?
The study indicates that one in ten blood cancers in children may be caused by radiation exposure from medical imaging.
What types of cancers are associated with radiation exposure?
The study specifically points to hematologic malignancies, which include tumors affecting the blood, bone marrow, lymph, and lymphatic system.
What precautions should be taken during pediatric imaging?
It is important to perform imaging only when absolutely necessary and to use the lowest possible radiation doses, especially for CT scans.
Who conducted the study on radiation exposure and blood cancers?
The research was conducted by scientists from the University of California, San Francisco, and Davis.
What demographic is most affected by radiation-induced cancer?
Children are particularly vulnerable to radiation-induced cancers due to their increased radiosensitivity and longer life expectancy.
