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What do recent epidemiological studies tell us about the risk of cancer from radiation doses typical of diagnostic radiography?

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Richard Harbron

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Abstract

The last five years have seen unprecedented efforts to gain further understanding of the cancer risks following exposure to radiation doses below 100 mGy. Research has focused on occupationally exposed groups, populations exposed to elevated background radiation levels and children undergoing computed tomography scans. This review summarises the main findings of these studies and discusses the implications for diagnostic radiography. On balance, recent studies strengthen the association between radiation exposure at diagnostic dose levels and the risk of developing cancer at low doses. Although subject to considerable uncertainties, the risks to patients and staff from exposure to x-rays at diagnostic dose levels appear to be small, but non-zero. Despite the improved statistical power of recent studies, a number of shortcomings are apparent. These include dosimetric uncertainties and the potential confounding effects of cancer predisposing conditions and pre-existing tumours.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Harbron RW

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Radiography

Year: 2016

Volume: 22

Pages: S41-S46

Print publication date: 01/12/2016

Online publication date: 02/09/2016

Acceptance date: 18/08/2016

Date deposited: 30/09/2016

ISSN (print): 1078-8174

ISSN (electronic): 1532-2831

Publisher: Elsevier

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2016.08.007

DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2016.08.007

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