Radiology (the use of ionized radiation and radioactive material to diagnose and treat disease) is an effective and rapidly evolving field of medicine. Radiation is used in X-rays to identify irregular or broken bones, mammographies to screen for breast cancer, CT scans (computerized tomography) for detailed internal images, nuclear cardiac tests to detect heart problems, and radiation therapy to precisely target and destroy cancer cells. The results of these technologies are amazing, but their increased use has also raised HMSA’s concern for our members’ safety.

Over time, the frequency and amount of radiation you are exposed to raises your risk of cancer. Relatively speaking, mammograms, dental and other routine X-rays use very small doses of radiation. Studies show that the exposure from a chest X-ray is equal to 10 days of radiation exposure from everyday sources, such as radon gas in soil and our homes, from the sun, and the radioactive material normally found inside our bodies.

A CT scan can be a valuable tool when someone shows signs of a particular disease or medical condition. It can help to rule out or diagnose a condition, determine the extent of the disease, and monitor the effects of treatment. However, radiation exposure from a CT scan is significantly higher than from a single X-ray.

While using CT scans as a diagnostic tool for people with signs or symptoms of disease is a reasonable medical option, using the technology as a screening tool for people without signs or symptoms is not. For example, whole-body scans have been marketed as a screening tool for those seeking peace of mind by confirming they are free of disease or to identify an internal problem early enough to cure it. But a whole-body CT screening exam may not accomplish either of these goals. In fact, government health agencies and the American College of Radiology do not recommend scanning a person’s body on the chance of finding signs of disease.

Compared to the benefits that accurate diagnosis and treatment a CT scan can provide, individual risk from the process is quite small. Still, unnecessary radiation exposure during medical procedures should be avoided.

Not only does increased radiation exposure increase the chance of getting cancer, exposing large numbers of healthy people to radiation for questionable benefit will have a detrimental effect on public health and the cost of health care for our members; even more so if people received CT screenings repeatedly and on a regular basis.

Because total radiation exposure accumulates over time and increasing the frequency or size of the dose increases the chance of getting cancer, HMSA members need to understand the risks involved in some medical imaging procedures. It is critical to carefully weigh the appropriate use of radiology and make sure that the benefit of the procedure outweighs the risk.

Everyone should take an active and well-informed role in their health and health care decisions. Before having any screening, diagnostic or other medical procedures, including radiology services, discuss the risks and alternatives with your doctor.