CT scans a double edged sword?

With the advent of newer technology, there is a greater tendency amongst patients and doctors to demand that there should be complete diagnosis and evaluation for even the most trivial of complaints. This attitude results in a plethora of investigations. Like everything else in life, this too comes at a price. The indiscriminate use of CT scans (especially of the head for minor trauma) has dramatically increased the risk of developing cancer subsequently. [1]

So what should you do?

I think one needs to be sensible and discuss with your doctor, firstly, whether a particular investigation is required. If not essential, you need to assess what are the risks and benefits both of doing the study and of not doing the study. You should also try and find out about the alternatives to the proposed investigation.

1. CT Scans May Increase Cancer Risk in Children, Adolescents