Medical Testing Using Radiation and Cancer Risk
Some medical and radiology tests and procedures can expose you to radiation. Radiation levels depend on the test and why it is being done. Over time, exposure to this type of radiation can increase your risk of cancer.
- Each machine puts out different levels of radiation.
- The practice of the person performing the test affects radiation levels. Having to take repeat images of an area can increase how much radiation you get.
- Different types of tests and procedures have different levels of radiation. For example, a CT scan exposes you to less radiation than an angiogram (imaging and dye are used to see your blood vessels) of the arteries in your heart.
Research is ongoing for long-term effects of radiation exposure from medical testing. There is a model (called BEIR VII) that calculates how the radiation you receive from certain tests can raise your cancer risk.
Talk with your provider when a test is ordered so you can think about the risks and benefits. This can help you make an informed decision about each test. Ask questions like:
- Why is this test needed?
- What will we learn from it?
- Will this change my treatment plan?
Learn more about radiology testing and cancer risk from the American College of Radiology, Food & Drug Administration and the American Cancer Society.
To learn more about factors that could affect your cancer risk, use the Reduce My Risk tool.