A recent study found that heart CT scans can increase the risk of cancer, particularly for young female patients. For example, researchers found that a 20-year-old woman's risk of developing cancer, usually breast cancer, increased to as high as one in 114 after a single scan. In comparison, the risk for an 80-year-old after one such scan was about one in 3,000.So does this mean that we should stop using CT scans for heart imaging, especially for young women? According to Dr. Donald Frush of ABC News, the answer is no.
Frush does mention that there are other ways to diagnose heart problems, including ultrasound or MRI. These methods do not use radiation. Stress tests are another method.
Frush says doctors should take into account a patient's history when deciding what is the best method to use. For example, for a young woman with a history of breast cancer in her family, CT scans might not be the best option. But he concludes that CT scans for young women should not be ruled out entirely.
1. I think what this study does, is raise public awareness that we need to discuss risks and benefits of procedures with our health care providers. Although uncommon, some 20 year old women due to various factors, may be more at risk of heart disease than some 70 year old men.
Another recent study also pointed out this concern over radiation. It was found that women who carry a certain genetic mutation for breast cancer had a four-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer if they had chest x-rays before the age of 20. While many of these studies can guide treatment and be life-saving, sometimes a safer alternative, such as a thorough exam and close follow-up, can be effective.
Lynne Elridge MD
Author, "Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time"
http://www.avoidcancernow.com
Posted at 3:41PM on Jul 23rd 2007 by Lynne Eldridge M.D.