CT Use May Add to Future Cancer Burden - Takeaways - MDSpire

CT Use May Add to Future Cancer Burden

Researchers projected approximately 103,000 future cancers associated with computed tomography examinations performed in the US in 2023.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • May 19, 2026

  • 6 min

Share

  • 1

    CT imaging in the US in 2023 is projected to cause approximately 103,000 future radiation-induced cancers.

  • 2

    The estimate of future cancers is three to four times higher than a 2009 projection due to increased CT utilization and improved dose reconstruction.

  • 3

    Adult patients account for the majority of projected cancers, with 93,000 cases compared to 9,700 in pediatric patients.

  • 4

    Lung cancer is the most common projected cancer type, followed by colon cancer, leukemia, bladder cancer, and stomach cancer.

  • 5

    The study emphasizes the need for justification of CT use and optimization of radiation dose to mitigate potential harm.

Original Source(s)

CT Use May Add to Future Cancer Burden

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • May 19, 2026

Related Content

Whole-Body MRI: Evidence Gap Widens

Two radiologists argue the for-profit scan industry has outrun the evidence — and the math warrants scrutiny.

When to Choose MRN Over Ultrasound

Proximal location, multi-nerve involvement, and multi-region extent favor MRN; ultrasound retains value for dynamic assessment and metal artifact–limited cases.

Ultrasound Attenuation Imaging Tracks Hepatic Steatosis

Attenuation imaging increased with visually graded steatosis severity in pediatric patients, but findings were not validated against MRI-PDFF or biopsy.