American Lung Association expresses 'concern' over recent CT-related cancer study
The American Lung Association is expressing "concern with the implications” of recently published findings regarding the risk associated with CT radiation exposure.
Published in JAMA Internal Medicine in April, the new paper predicted a significant rise in future cancer diagnoses in the United States. According to the study’s findings, the nearly 100 million CT scans conducted in the U.S. during 2023 will result in approximately 103,000 future cancer diagnoses annually due to radiation exposure alone. Authors estimated that CT could be responsible “for approximately 5% of cancers diagnosed each year.”
“This would place CT on par with other significant risk factors, such as alcohol consumption (5.4%) and excess body weight (7.6%),” Smith-Bindman, et al noted at the time.
Several medical organizations, including the American College of Radiology, expressed concern that the paper’s findings could be misconstrued by patients and deter them from undergoing medically necessary imaging. Now, the American Lung Association is lending its voice to the matter, cautioning that the findings could prevent patients from undergoing cancer screenings.
“The American Lung Association is concerned with the implications of the findings of this study and its potential impact on lung cancer screening and other necessary medical procedures that use CT scans,” President and CEO Harold Wimmer said in a newly released statement.
“Annual low-dose CT scan screening for individuals at high risk for lung cancer saves lives,” Wimmer said. “Lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer in the U.S. and the best way to catch lung cancer early is through a low-dose CT scan for those at high risk for the disease."
Similar to ACR, Wimmer emphasized that the findings are based on modeling, not actual patient outcomes. He also highlighted the many advancements in technology, including the use of artificial intelligence, which have paved the way for reduced doses.
“Americans should not forgo necessary, lifesaving medical imaging and should continue to discuss the benefits and risks of these exams with their healthcare providers,” Wimmer said, though he acknowledged that the decision to undergo imaging should be made after patients have discussed the benefits thoroughly with their providers. “The benefits of the information the exam will provide far outweigh any risk in obtaining it and could very well save your life.”
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.