A new study in JAMA Internal Medicine estimates that 103,000 future cancers in the US will result from the 93 million CT scans performed in 2023. This accounts for roughly 5% of annual cancer diagnoses and puts CT scans on par with alcohol and obesity as cancer risk factors. Lung and colon cancers were most prevalent, linked to abdomen/pelvis scans. Researchers advocate for judicious CT scan use with optimized doses, balancing benefits and risks. While the study uses modeling with inherent uncertainties, it underscores the need for careful consideration of CT scan usage, especially given the 35% increase since 2007.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.