By Admin 
Pediatric Cancer: Techniques like medical imaging i.e. CT scan, X-ray are the most important means for doctors to identify disease and decide treatment. Many times the patient’s life can be saved by timely investigation. But the new research has also highlighted its threat to children. Scientists at US UC San Francisco and UC Davis University have found that radiation emanating from medical imaging can be a major cause of blood cancer in children. This study has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Record check of 40 lakh children
Researchers studied medical records of about 40 million children and teenagers from the US and Canada. The results were shocking. The study revealed that about 10 percent of the total blood cancer found in children can be related to radiation from medical imaging. That is, about 3,000 cases came up only because of this.
Why cancer more dangerous in children?
Blood cancer, which includes leukemia and lymphoma, are most found in children. Experts say that children’s body is in the era of development, so their cells are more sensitive to radiation. Also, there is a long life in front of them, which increases the risk of getting cancer.
What threat from which investigation?
CT Scan: It has the highest amount of radiation. Research found that only one or two head CT scans are almost doubled the risk of blood cancer.
More scans: In the children who made CT scans several times, this danger increased by three times.
X-rays: The X-ray used in the chest or bone fracture test gives comparatively low radiation, so the risk of cancer is also very low.
Study data
A total of 2,961 children found blood and bone marrow cancer.
About 79 percent of these were lymphoid cancer, while 15 percent were acute leukemia and meloid cancer.
More than half of cases were found in children younger than 5 years.
The percentage of cancer in boys was 58 percent.
How to rescue possible?
Researchers said that if doctors and hospitals avoid unnecessary scans and where necessary, at least 10 percent of cases of cancer can be stopped in children. Apart from this, tests like ultrasound and MRI are more secure options because they do not contain ionizing radiation.
Expert opinion
Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, the chief writer of the study, says, “Children are extremely sensitive to radiation-borne cancer. So we should think before every investigation whether it is really necessary.”
At the same time, co-writer Dr. Diana Miglioretti says that “this research clearly shows that the more radiation is available, the more the risk of cancer will increase. So doctors will have to take a decision with responsibility.” Medical imaging is important in treating children and saving lives, but excessive use can cause serious threats. If precautions are taken on time and safe options are adopted, then thousands of children can be protected from cancer in future.
Also read- Prostate Cancer Early Signs: If these 5 symptoms are seen, then it is going to understand prostate cancer, men run immediately to the doctor
Disclaimer: This information is based on the opinion of research studies and experts. Do not consider it an alternative to medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, consult your doctor or concerned specialist.
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