Imaging overload: How many tests are too many?

The concern about radiation exposure is an increased risk for developing cancer later in life. Ionizing radiation from tests such as x-rays or CT scans have the potential to damage tissue in the body, including cell DNA. Getting a diagnostic test once in a while is likely to provide crucial information to guide treatment, and it isn’t believed to pose much of a cancer risk. But frequent diagnostic testing may slightly increase cancer risk and should be weighed carefully.