Link between diagnostic X-rays and cancer uncertain

Abstract

Question

Do diagnostic X-rays increase the risk of developing cancer?

Study design

Epidemiological risk analysis.

Main results

By age 75, the cumulative risks of cancer resulting from diagnostic X-rays were estimated to be between 0.6% (in the UK and Poland) and 3.2% (Japan). In all other populations the estimated risk was between 0.7% and 1.8%. The UK risk correlates to 700 cases per year including 111 bladder cancers, 107 colon cancers and 61 lung cancers.

Authors’ conclusions

According to their model, the estimated cumulative risk of cancer caused by diagnostic X-rays varied between countries, however most were fewer than 2%. In Japan the estimated cumulative risk exceeded 3%.