Radiology is the science of dealing with X-rays and other high-energy radiation. It has been shown to be of major importance to modern medicine and plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases and conditions. Despite radiology being used to help treat many patients, there are still some myths about the dangers and risks of being exposed to radiation. Read below to learn about some common myths concerning exposure to radiation.
Myths About Radiation Debunked:
- Exposure to radiation is not safe and may cause side effects.
People are continuously exposed to different forms of radiation every day, including when breathing in air or eating food. Radiation in medication, electricity generation and many other applications has extended and saved many lives. A study done by the United Nations Scientific Committee has shown that the risk associated with low-dose radiation from natural and man-made sources is extremely small. Also during X-Rays, MRIs, and other radiology scans, the small levels of radiation that a patient is exposed to will not cause side effects.
- Radiology scans are not safe for a pregnant woman.
There has been no proof of physical harm being done to a fetus from an ultrasound. A 3D scanner does not use stronger sound waves or produce more heat than a 2D scan, so it is considered just as safe for infants. Also, 3D scans are more accurate in detecting certain physical abnormalities.
- Radiation treatment will cause cancer.
Although this may not be a myth, the chances of receiving cancer from radiation treatment are very low. It is, however, important for doctors to consider the risk of causing new cancer in the context of the potential gain from treatment. The possibility that therapeutic radiation would lead to a new cancer is exceedingly small and depends on a number of factors, including age at the time of treatment, the region of the body treated, and the dose received. Medicine and research will continue to progress as will the use of radiation treatment for different types of cancer.
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