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.

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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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CT Scan Cancer Risk : Nowadays from minor injuries to serious diseases, doctors advise the patient to get CT scan immediately. With the help of this technology, it becomes very easy to identify the disease correctly, but on the other hand a new study has increased the concern.

According to research, repeated CT scan can increase the risk of cancer. After this study, many questions have arisen whether a CT scan should not be done. Let’s know the reason for this and what the study says …

What does study say
In a study published in Jama Internal Medicine, it has been told that if the CT scan continues to be on everything, then soon 5% will be responsible for 5% new cancer cases. According to the study, CT scan is done through radiation.

Science believes that dangerous radiation can cause cancer. A CT scan may reduce the risk but there is no risk, it cannot be said. Due to this, there is more danger to those who are younger. Especially children and teenagers come in the grip of this danger quickly.

Also read: These 3 diseases attack children in summer, be careful now!

What can be the reason
According to experts, from the age of 50, some people repeatedly get a CT scan, the exposure of radiation in their body increases significantly. It can cause damage to radiation cells and cause mutation in them, which increases the possibility of cancer in the future. Especially in chest and abscess (abdominal) CT scan, radiation doses are high, which can affect for a long time.

How much radiation is in CT scan
According to experts, a CT scan, chest or stomach creates radiation equal to 100 to 500 x-ray. Meaning if a patient needs frequent scans, such as cancer follow-ups, frequent injury or chronic disease, then the burden of radiation in his body increases gradually.

Who is more at risk
Children and youth
Patients who have repeated scan
Those who already have a risk of cancer
People with weak immune system

What to do, what not to do

Get scan only when needed. Ask the doctor whether MRI or ultrasound can work.
Keep a scan record. How many times, which part has been scanned, keep history.
Talk to the doctor or technician at radiation dose.
For children, ask for Pediatric Setting before CT scan.

Disclaimer: Some information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.

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