Cancer risk after ionizing radiation exposure during childhood scanner examinations

Among examinations using ionizing radiation for diagnostic purposes, CT scans, more irradiant than conventional imaging are increasingly used, especially in pediatrics. This is especially concerning for children because they have a higher radiosensitivity than adults. They also have a longer life expectancy and therefore more years at risk of developing cancer. The first study published by M. Pearce in 2012 (1) showed a significant increased risk of brain cancer and leukemia in children exposed to several scanners. This second major study by Mathews et al. shows an excess risk of any cancer, including leukemia and brain tumors after examinations by CT. Despite the undeniable benefits of the CT examinations, continuing efforts to reduce the doses and the number of radiological examinations in childhood is essential, under, in particular, the ALARA principle to be implemented in pediatric imaging. The risk assessment published by Miglioretti et al. shows that reducing the highest 25 % of doses could reduce by 43 % the number of cancers induced by annual paediatrics exams performed in the USA. (author)