Am I at risk of cancer from CT scan radiation at 28?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 28 and had an abdominal CT scan at age 20 for a kidney stone, but it was without contrast and I do not know the radiation dose. Two weeks ago, I had another CT scan (with contrast and delayed phase) using a modern Siemens device, with a dose between 8.19 and 9.28 mSv, but I was not shielded.

I am now concerned about the long-term risk of cancer due to these scans. Can you explain, from a scientific perspective, how these radiation doses affect my body?
Why do so many people express fear after CT scans online?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

CT (computed tomography) scan is a highly advanced diagnostic tool. When you underwent an abdominal CT scan eight years ago without contrast, the typical radiation dose for such a scan ranges between five to eight mSv. The recent scan with contrast and delayed phase, which you mentioned had a dose of 8.19–9.28 mSv, is within the standard range. A single CT scan of this type exposes you to radiation equivalent to about three years of natural background radiation. The cumulative dose from your two scans is considered low.

Ionizing radiation, used in CT scans, has the potential to damage DNA in cells. If the body does not adequately repair the damage, it can increase the risk of cancer. The lifetime risk of cancer due to exposure to 10 mSv of radiation is approximately 0.05 %, which is 1 in 20,000 people. This is negligible.

Most of the damage is repaired without long-term consequences. The association of radiation with cancer has created a general fear, even though the radiation dose from medical imaging is lower and controlled.

The CT scanner you mentioned is a modern device equipped with dose optimization technologies. These include automatic dose modulation. Shielding was not used during your recent scan because modern scanners minimize scatter radiation effectively, and shielding could interfere with the imaging process.

The benefit of early and accurate diagnosis from a CT scan outweighs the small theoretical risk of cancer in most cases.

Discuss with your doctor whether alternative imaging methods like MRI or ultrasound, which do not use ionizing radiation, could be appropriate for your condition.
If a CT scan is necessary, ensure it is performed with modern, low-dose equipment.
Keep a record of your imaging history to avoid duplicate scans.
A physical examination by a doctor in a hospital is a must.

I hope I have answered your query.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Please divert your thoughts elsewhere. Keep yourself positively engaged. Alternatively, talk to a counselor. Regular active smoking may increase your risk. Getting tests is a good idea to put your worries to rest.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I would say you are thinking too much. Thinking alone has a lot of power to make things happen. Regular examinations, investigations, and timely treatment of anything that is diagnosed are the key to treatment. If talking specifically about cancer, most of them are treatable and diagnosed early, and a healthy life span is possible.

Bring positive thoughts, and continue maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which will go a long way. Talk to a counselor, and do deep breathing exercises and meditation if you are feeling anxious.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.