Multiple Heart Scans Linked With Cancer Risk

Summary of Article:

In Canada and in the U.S., physicians are increasingly order imaging tests and treatments using low-dose ionizing radiation in people with heart disease or suspected of having it.  This is because, according to Canadian doctors, "Cancer risks increases slightly or heart patients who get multiple imaging scans with low-dose radiation".  Today, newer tests such as CT angiography and isotope scans have replaced earlier exams that traditionally did not use radiation.  The association of cancer and radiation exposure is now coming to light and more aware to people.  Because of this, cardiologists caution that these procedures be carefully considered.  "We were able to show that exposure to radiation from cardiac imaging was associated with an increased risk of cancer in this patient population".  This study was looked at hospital data on 82,861 patients who had a heart attack in Quebec between April 1996 and March 2006, but no history of cancer.  Of this number, 77% had at least one cardiac procedure with low-dose ionizing radiation within one year of attack.

My Opinion of Article:

I both agree and disagree with this article.  I agree with this article because it is true that we should always be aware of the new technology we are using.  Although the new technology is faster or shows more data, it could end up harming your body in the long run.  Numbers prove that 77% of the study had at least one cardiac procedure with low-dose ionizing radiation within one year of attack.  This means that a over 3 quarters of the people in the study were not aware of a problem that was caused by multiple image scanning.  We need to let our patients know what the consequences are of multiple image scanning and the harms of radiation.  I believe if we have new technology, it should be safe and without radiation.  It is definitely possible and could save patients without harming them if they take multiple image scans.  Although it may seem doctors are making a big deal out of this situation, it is better than making no deal at all and not realizing the ways we are harming our bodies and lives.