Americans Top World in Medical Radiation

Americans get more radiation from medical tests than people of any other country, the Associated Press (AP) reported June 14. The average person’s medical radiation dose has increased sixfold in the last two decades. And an increased amount of research shows that it’s too much, AP said. The biggest source is computed tomography (CT) scans — X-rays that give very detailed images. Just a few CT scans can deliver enough radiation to possibly increase cancer risk. No one keeps track of how much radiation each patient gets over time. But that may change. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is pushing industry and doctors to use standard radiation doses. It also may require record-keeping on dosage for each person. CT scans may be given too often for several reasons, AP said. They are a quick and accurate diagnosis tool.