2023-04-28 07:59:35
Even if this examination is supposed to help treat them, X-ray imaging would cause cancer in children if it is practiced too much.
Following a fall or to prepare for surgery, healthcare professionals can ask for an x-ray. Technically, this examination can be performed at any age, including children. However, exposure to X-rays would have physical consequences for those under 18.
This is what emerges froma Taiwanese study recently published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. For more than 13 years, the researchers studied the medical data of approximately 85,000 children. Among the panel of young volunteers, more than 7,800 suffered from leukemia or had an intracranial tumor.
However, by comparing the medical records, the researchers have brought to light a worrying point: the exposure to X-rays of young sick patients.
Having more than 2 X-ray examinations during childhood would be a risk factor
More precisely, they studied the frequency but also the nature of the prescribed examinations. In the study, the researchers point out that having only one imaging exam during childhood is not a risk factor. Thus, a child who breaks a leg or has to have a dental x-ray will not be in danger.
On the other hand, as soon as there are more than two imaging examinations prescribed, the probabilities of developing a tumour, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or leukemia increase. Even worse, the risk is multiplied if the children have undergone more than 4 examinations of this type.
Faced with such findings, the researchers want to alert pediatricians and health professionals. They advocate avoiding unnecessary imaging exams, especially CT scans, whenever possible. These more detailed examinations are normally used to obtain more detailed images than with a conventional x-ray.
Greater health problems if children are exposed before age 6
At the same time, the researchers wanted to know if beyond the number of examinations carried out, the age of the children also had an impact. They compared the data and divided the sick children into three groups: those under 6 years old, 7-12 years old and 13-18 years old. Without surprise, younger children are most at risk for repeat CT scans.
On the other hand, adolescents are those who have the least risk of suffering from lymphoma or tumor. However, zero risk before the age of 18 does not exist. It is therefore important that the imaging examination be justified and optimized to the maximum to avoid any risk to the health of minors.
1682669029
#xray #exams #dangerous #children
