What if the very test meant to save your life could be subtly increasing your risk of cancer? That’s the alarming question emerging from new research on the widespread use of CT (computed tomography) scans—advanced imaging tools that use X-rays to generate cross-sectional views of the body. Often hailed for their ability to catch internal injuries, tumors, and other critical conditions early, CT scans have become a routine part of modern diagnostics. Yet as their use skyrockets globally, so do concerns over the health consequences of repeated and, at times, unnecessary exposure to high doses of radiation.

There’s no denying the clinical value of CT scans. They help detect life-threatening bleeding, guide surgeons during complex procedures, and monitor the progression of diseases like cancer. In the U.S. alone, over 93 million CT scans are performed each year—a number that continues to grow, according to medical market research firm IMV.

But what often goes unnoticed is the invisible cost: radiation exposure.

Unlike conventional x-rays, which emit lower doses, CT scans deliver substantially higher radiation levels. A chest x-ray, for instance, exposes a patient to 0.1 millisieverts (mSv), whereas a chest CT scan delivers around 7 mSv—that’s 70 times more. These numbers are not trivial, especially when stacked up over multiple scans throughout a person’s life.

One of the most concerning revelations from a study led by Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, professor at the University of California, San Francisco, is the staggering inconsistency in radiation doses across CT machines. The dose for the same scan type can vary by a factor of 10 to 15 times, even when used for identical clinical reasons.

“In some cases, one machine could be exposing patients to tenfold more radiation than another,” Dr. Smith-Bindman told NBC News. This lack of regulation means patients could be unknowingly absorbing dangerous levels of radiation, increasing their long-term cancer risk.

Her 2009 study, which analyzed the 11 most common CT scan types in over 1,000 patients, found that radiation doses for an abdominal and pelvic scan could range up to 31 mSv—comparable to about 163 chest x-rays or 160 roundtrip flights between New York and Tokyo.

The link between medical radiation and cancer is not new, but its scale is only now becoming clear. According to findings published in The New England Journal of Medicine, CT-related radiation could be responsible for up to 2% of all cancers—translating to tens of thousands of cases annually.

Dr. Smith-Bindman’s team estimated that one in 270 women and one in 600 men who undergo certain types of CT scans at age 40 may develop cancer as a direct result of the scan. For younger patients in their 20s, the risk doubles.

Radiation has long been associated with cancers such as leukemia, breast, colon, ovarian, bladder, stomach, and lung cancers. With rising CT scan usage and no uniform standard for radiation dosing, experts warn we could be looking at a silent, radiation-fueled cancer epidemic in the coming decades.

Are CT Scans Overprescribed?

Part of the answer lies in defensive medicine—doctors fearing lawsuits may order extra tests “just to be safe.” Financial incentives also play a role; CT scans are among the most expensive diagnostic tools, and hospitals benefit when more of them are used. This creates a dangerous mix of overdiagnosis and overexposure.

A separate long-term study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston analyzed over 31,000 patients and found that 33% had received more than five CT scans, and 1% had more than 38. In such cases, the cancer risk spiked to over 12% above the national average.

Recognizing the growing threat, the U.S. government is beginning to take action. New Medicare regulations, introduced during the final weeks of the Biden administration, require hospitals and imaging centers to record and share radiation dosage data from CT scanners. These rules will be phased in over three years and could include fines for non-compliance by 2027.

Whether these policies survive under subsequent administrations remains to be seen, but experts agree that standardization of CT scanning practices is urgently needed.

What Patients Can Do Protect Themselves?

While some CT scans are medically necessary and lifesaving, patients can—and should—take steps to minimize unnecessary exposure:

Ask questions: Before undergoing a CT scan, ask your doctor how the results will influence your care. Could a lower-dose scan like an MRI or ultrasound provide the same insight?

Track your imaging history: Keep a personal record of all diagnostic scans you've had. It helps doctors make better-informed decisions and avoid redundant testing.

Consider spacing out scans: If you're undergoing routine imaging for a chronic condition, discuss with your provider whether extending the interval between scans is possible.

Avoid "just in case" scans: CT scans should not be used as reassurance tools in asymptomatic individuals, as they can lead to incidental findings, triggering a cycle of further tests and radiation exposure.

CT scans have revolutionized medical diagnostics and undoubtedly saved countless lives. But with great power comes great responsibility. The lack of regulation, wide dose variation, and rising use of these high-radiation scans call for a reevaluation of when and how they are used.

As science continues to uncover the long-term impact of medical imaging, one thing is clear: it’s time for the medical community—and patients themselves—to weigh not just the benefits, but the hidden risks, of overexposure to radiation.

“It’s a moment I’ll never forget, when I sat down at the edge of the pool – the pool where I’ve trained my whole life – to find out there’s a brain tumor”

In 2024, Archie Goodburn, a- young and promising 23-year-old athlete (currently 24-year-old) who won a bronze medal at a major junior championship and swam for Scotland, shared difficult news of being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. This Scottish swimmer who has a record in the 50 m breaststroke found himself in a position where he might have to put a stopper on his dreams of competing in the Paris Olympic. He was diagnosed with incurable brain tumors. This discovery came after he experienced numbness and seizures, especially around the time he was trying to qualify for the Olympics.

Incurable Brain Cancer And Impending Time Limit

Tests after the Olympic trials showed Archie has three large brain tumors called oligodendrogliomas that can't be removed with surgery. These tumors are rare and usually grow slowly, forming from a type of brain cell. While they're more often found in adults, they can affect anyone. Archie will now be undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy to treat them.

The brain tumor is in a critical area and is the leading cancer killer for people under 40, according to Brain Tumour Research.

Taking to social media Archie explained that he started having strange episodes of dizziness and was feeling uncomfortable in late 2023 that messed up his training. At first, they thought these were severe migraines. They caused him to lose strength, feel numb on his left side, and experience fear, nausea, and strong déjà vu. He now knows these were actually seizures.

What Is Oligodendrogliomas?

According to the US National Cancer Institute, Oligodendroglioma is a type of tumor that starts in the brain or spinal cord. To correctly diagnose it, doctors look for two specific changes in the tumor's genes: a specific gene change called an IDH mutation and a particular loss of parts of chromosomes 1 and 19.

Archie on his Instagram account said, “My tumors express a mutation of my IDH1 gene that is shared with some forms of leukaemia.” According to a 2012 study published in the Brain Pathology, IDH1 gene is a mutation that happens in the early stages of brain development and is a common step in the development of brain tumors. This type of gene mutation is common in glial tumors, which are a type of tumor that originated in the glial cells present in the brain and spinal cord.

To get a clear diagnosis, doctors usually need to take a small piece of the tumor during surgery, if possible. A neuropathologist then looks at this piece of the tumor.

The National Cancer Institute explains that the causes of this brain tumor are still unknown. However, being exposed to radiation and having certain gene changes passed down in families might increase the chance of getting them.

What Are The Chances of Survival for Oligodendrogliomas?

Prognosis is about the likely outcome of the disease or the chance of recovery. It depends on several things: Type, grade, location, spread and severity of the type of tumor, specific gene changes, the patient's age, and how much of the tumor is left after surgery (if surgery was possible). Archie said, “IDH inhibiting medications, a new class of drug, have seen phenomenal developments in the last few years with some pretty amazing results. Continued progress in this field will aid my prognosis massively.”

About 79.5% of people with oligodendroglioma are still alive five years after diagnosis. However, one must remember that there are many things that affect this number. These include the tumor's grade and genetic makeup, the person's age and health when diagnosed, and how well they respond to treatment. If you want to understand your own outlook, it's best to talk to your doctor.

Archie's Positive Outlook

Despite the tough news, Archie is staying incredibly positive. He mentioned a "silver lining": these types of tumors often respond better to radiotherapy and chemotherapy than some other serious brain tumors. He also noted they usually grow slowly and might have been there for years.

Archie is determined to face this challenge head-on. He's drawing strength from being young and fit, and from the amazing support he gets from his friends, family, and girlfriend. He plans to "remain positive and to keep being Archie." Many people have applauded his strength and resilience to bring awareness about the disease “I'm lucky... I've got time to shout about this disease.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its warning labels for the two most widely used COVID-19 vaccines — Pfizer and Moderna — to provide more detailed information about the rare risk of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. The condition has primarily been observed in younger males and was first identified shortly after the vaccines became widely available in 2021.

More Detailed Labeling After FDA Request

Though both vaccine makers had already included myocarditis warnings in their prescribing information, the FDA formally asked them in April to expand these details. The agency can mandate label changes, but such updates are typically negotiated with drugmakers.

The revised warning now estimates that 8 cases of myocarditis occur per 1 million people who received the 2023–2024 COVID vaccines in the age group of 6 months to 64 years. The update also clarifies that the risk is highest among males aged 12 to 24, a slight expansion from the earlier label, which focused on boys aged 12 to 17.

Conflicting Findings Within U.S. Agencies

Interestingly, this update appears to contradict some earlier findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC had previously stated that, based on vaccine safety data through 2022, there was no significant increase in myocarditis risk linked to COVID-19 vaccines. They also pointed out that vaccine-related myocarditis cases tend to be mild and resolve quickly, especially when compared to heart inflammation caused by the COVID-19 infection itself.

New Advisory Panel Brings Vaccine Scrutiny

The timing of the FDA’s label change aligns with broader shifts in vaccine policy under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A longtime vaccine skeptic, Kennedy recently dismissed all 17 members of the CDC's vaccine advisory panel and appointed a new group, some of whom have expressed anti-vaccine sentiments in the past. This week marked their first meeting, where ongoing use of COVID-19 vaccines, especially among vulnerable groups like pregnant women, was discussed.

New Restrictions and Requirements Under Review

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, appointed by Kennedy, has taken several steps to limit the scope of COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Recently, he restricted annual COVID-19 booster shots to seniors and high-risk individuals. Makary has also suggested that seasonal updates to vaccines — meant to better match circulating virus strains — should be treated as entirely new products requiring additional clinical testing.

Focus Should Be on Understanding Risk, Not Curtailing Vaccines

While acknowledging that myocarditis should not be dismissed, some public health experts believe the FDA’s latest approach is flawed. “We should be investigating who is prone to myocarditis to see if we can predict and mitigate that risk,” said Dr. Robert Morris, a public health specialist at the University of Washington. “They are right to raise the concern, but not with these broad warning changes," as reported by Associated Press.

Makary and his team had previously questioned the government’s booster recommendations. In a 2022 paper, he and two FDA colleagues argued that mandating boosters for young people might lead to more harm than good, a position that diverged from CDC guidance at the time.

World Drug Day is marked on June 26 every year. Also known as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, this day aims to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drugs, notes the United Nations.

History of World Drug Day

It was on December 7, 1987, when by the resolution 42/112. the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to achieve a society free of drug abuse.

World Drug Day 2025 Theme

This year's theme is "The Evidence is Clear; Invest in Prevention." This theme highlights the urgent need to invest in preventative measures to address the world's drug problem. It also aims to create a long-lasting resilience against drug abuse.

ALSO READ: RFK Jr. Opens Up About Heroin Addiction and Calls for Focus on Prevention

Importance of World Drug Day

Drug abuse is a global challenge and harms individual silently. It is often the reason why families break and communities weaken. The impact goes beyond addiction, causing a lasting physical, mental, and social damage. Furthermore, ATS, also known as the Amphetamine-Type Stimulants are synthetic drugs that harm the brain, heart, and nervous system.

As per the 2024 report by UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), number of people who use drugs has risen to 292 million in 2022, a 20% increase over the 10 years. Cannabin remains the most widely used drug worldwide, with an estimate of 228 million users. It is followed by opioids with 60 million users, ATM with 30 million users, cocaine with 23 million users, and ecstasy with 20 million users.

READ: What Are The Most Abused Drugs In The US?

The report notes that nitazenes, which is a group of synthetic opioids which can be even more potent than fentanyl, have recently emerged in several high-income countries, resulting in an increase in overdose deaths.

Though an estimated 64 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders, only one in 11 is in treatment. Women receive less access to treatment than men, with only one in 18 women with drug use disorders in treatment versus one in seven men.

These numbers show why is it important to observe World Drug Day, so a society free of drug abuse can be achieved.

Drug Impact On Health

As per the notification released by Government of India on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025, here are the health issues that are caused by various drugs:

• Methamphetamine (Meth): A crystal-like drug that severely damages the brain and heart.
• Cocaine: A white powder that can cause heart attacks and strong addiction.
• Mephedrone: A party drug that leads to anxiety, confusion and heart issues.
• Hashish: Made from cannabis, it affects memory and mental health.

As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse's publication titled, Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction, people with addiction often have one or more associated health issues, which could include lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer, or mental health conditions.

Furthermore, use of methamphetamine can cause severe dental problems, which is also known as meth mouth. The study notes, "in addition, some drugs, such as inhalants, may damage or destroy nerve cells, either in the brain or the peripheral nervous system (the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord)."

Use of drugs can also increase the risk of contracting infections. The study notes: "HIV and hepatitis C (a serious liver disease) can occur from sharing injection equipment or from unsafe practices such as condom-less sex.40,41 Infection of the heart and its valves (endocarditis) and skin infection (cellulitis) can occur after exposure to bacteria by injection drug use."

READ: Liam Payne Investigation: How Pink Cocaine Affects You?

Drugs can also cause mental illness and increase the symptoms of anxiety, depression, or even schizophrenia,, as it can trigger specific vulnerabilities. It can also impact pregnant or breastfeeding mother and her baby could go into withdrawal after it's born. This is called neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

This year, not just with the theme, but with the campaign, "Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime", the aim is to highlight the long-term action to break the cycle of drug abuse and its illicit trafficking by addressing root causes, investing in prevention, and building stronger health, education, and social systems.

READ MORE: National Anti-Drug Addiction Day 2024: Reintegrating In Society After Rehab