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Does natural background radiation add to cancer risk?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Does the natural background radiation level (3 mS v per year) add to cancer risk on top of a dose from medical imaging, or is natural radiation separate or safe since we all receive it?
Answered by Dr. Andrew Chellakumar Fenn

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Andrew Chellakumar Fenn is a Radiotherapist who is skilled in using advanced technologies such as IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, and stereotactic radiotherapy for precise tumor targeting. He is experienced in oncology treatment planning, integrating clinical, imaging, and pathological findings. He has a collaborative approach in working with multidisciplinary oncology teams including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and radiologists. He is knowledgeable in palliative radiation therapy for symptom relief in advanced cancer cases.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

One mSv is the limit for the general public. The background is usually within this limit. But radiation workers have a limit of 20 mSv per year, which is also very safe. Also, doses from medical imaging can contribute. But the benefits from medical imaging offset any potential theoretical risks of increased cancer risk. Background radiation is 0.1 uSv per hour, which comes to about one mSv in a year.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Thanks for the advice.

Answered by Dr. Andrew Chellakumar Fenn

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Andrew Chellakumar Fenn is a Radiotherapist who is skilled in using advanced technologies such as IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, and stereotactic radiotherapy for precise tumor targeting. He is experienced in oncology treatment planning, integrating clinical, imaging, and pathological findings. He has a collaborative approach in working with multidisciplinary oncology teams including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and radiologists. He is knowledgeable in palliative radiation therapy for symptom relief in advanced cancer cases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are most welcome.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nithila. A
Published At July 30, 2019
Reviewed At April 17, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Andrew Chellakumar Fenn is a Radiotherapist who is skilled in using advanced technologies such as IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, and stereotactic radiotherapy for precise tumor targeting. He is experienced in oncology treatment planning, integrating clinical, imaging, and pathological findings. He has a collaborative approach in working with multidisciplinary oncology teams including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and radiologists. He is knowledgeable in palliative radiation therapy for symptom relief in advanced cancer cases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Nithila A is a Dental Surgeon specializing in providing comprehensive oral healthcare. She focuses on preventive care, routine dental treatments, and patient education to maintain optimal oral health. Known for her compassionate and patient-centered approach, she ensures comfortable and effective dental care tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

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Dr. Andrew Chellakumar Fenn
Dr. Andrew Chellakumar Fenn

Radiation Oncology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Andrew Chellakumar Fenn is a Radiotherapist who is skilled in using advanced technologies such as IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, and stereotactic radiotherapy for precise tumor targeting. He is experienced in oncology treatment planning, integrating clinical, imaging, and pathological findings. He has a collaborative approach in working with multidisciplinary oncology teams including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and radiologists. He is knowledgeable in palliative radiation therapy for symptom relief in advanced cancer cases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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