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

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  • 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

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