Do CT scans cause cancer?

Hi I'm feeling so alone right now. I'm a 30 year old F and I've had the following scans: 

1 sinus CT

1 low dose chest CT

4 CTPAs (one whilst pregnant)

2 Lung perfusion tests 

(spread out over the years in my 20s)

and then a few X-rays growing up which included my chest & ankle 

I'm now very concerned that I will develop cancer (specifically breast cancer) as a result of my radiation exposure, please could someone advice me if my risk is now significant?
 

I don't know any around the same age as me who has had this many scans and it worries me so much. 

  • Hi lve had multiple scans, due to various problems like heart angiograms, injections for pain under scanning, multiple mammograms lve lost count of the XRays chest ect over the years.  l am now 69 although I've had breast problems they have not been cancerous. Last year I had ovarian cysts removed and fortunately they were also benign.  
    Scanning and X-rays have improved over the years and now you are given the lowest dose possible they are pretty safe apart from when you are pregnant when it's probably best to avoid X-ray if possible. 
    my breast problems started when I was 23 and all of my X-rays ect and CT s for things like colonoscopy have not caused cancer. 
    take care 

    Susie 

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    I am sorry to learn how alone you are feeling with your fears and worries. I do hope you feel you can talk to someone perhaps your midwife or the GP if not a family member. 

    Exposure to ionising radiation has to be taken seriously because it can cause cell damage, but medical imaging is carefully managed so the lowest doses are used and only when needed. There are very real benefits from imaging and although risks are generally low enough for investigations that use radiation to be considered as safe, patients are fully informed about risks these days which can trigger alarm.

    I very much doubt that the tests you have had will significantly add to your existing lifetime risk of breast cance - we all have an individual lieftime risk.  But I am unsure if this will reassure you.  

    As I mentioned in my post on your other thread, I would encourage you to speak to your GP as it sounds like you are trying to cope with anxiety and need some support and input. 

    I hope the GP can help.

    Please give us a ring if you want to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here 9-5. 

    Best wishes, 

    Julia