Last month, JAMA Internal Medicine published a study titled "Projected Lifetime Cancer Risks From Current Computed Tomography Imaging." The study uses risk modeling to suggest that radiation from CT scans could significantly contribute to new cancer diagnoses. In response, Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, issued a statement expressing concern about the study's implications.
"The American Lung Association is concerned with the implications of the findings of this study and its potential impact on lung cancer screening and other necessary medical procedures that use CT scans," Wimmer stated.
Wimmer emphasized the importance of annual low-dose CT scan screenings for individuals at high risk for lung cancer. He noted that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and early detection through low-dose CT scans is crucial. "Lung cancer screening finds over half of lung cancer cases at an early stage when it is more curable, compared to only about 25% without screening. And, the future cancer risk from radiation exposure at the ages when lung cancer screening takes place is small."
The recent JAMA paper discusses cumulative radiation risks throughout one's life. According to Wimmer, "The radiation risk proposed by article authors Smith-Bindman et al., is consistent with prior risk modeling studies." He also highlighted that advancements in technology have reduced population radiation burdens despite increased CT scan usage.
Wimmer advised Americans not to avoid necessary medical imaging but to discuss exam benefits and risks with healthcare providers. He echoed sentiments from organizations like AAPM and ACR: "Patients with concerns about CT scans should ask their doctors if the results of an ordered CT will help determine their diagnosis or treatment plan. If the answer is yes... it is safest to proceed with the CT exam."
He concluded by stressing that for high-risk individuals, "The benefits of the information the exam will provide far outweigh any risk in obtaining it and could very well save your life."
