Radiation Risks in Radiology Scans: What You Must Know in 2026

What is Radiation and How It Works in Medical Imaging

Radiation is a type of energy used in many medical imaging tests, like X‑rays and CT scans, to create detailed images of the inside of your body. Radiation in medical imaging can either be ionising (capable of removing electrons) or non‑ionising (such as ultrasound).

While radiology scans provide valuable insights, it’s essential to understand how radiation works, its role in diagnosis, and how healthcare professionals balance the benefits with potential risks.

• Medical imaging uses different forms of radiation, primarily X-rays, to capture detailed pictures of bones, tissues, and organs to assist in diagnosing conditions.
• When ionising radiation from scans like CT or X‑rays interacts with cells, it can cause changes to the DNA, potentially leading to cancer risk with repeated exposure. However, the radiation dose used in diagnostic scans is typically low and well-regulated.
• Radiology professionals ensure radiation exposure is kept as low as possible while still providing high-quality images for accurate diagnosis. This is part of the ALARA principle—As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
• Understanding how radiation works in medical imaging enables patients to discuss their concerns and make informed decisions with their healthcare providers. Trust in medical professionals and modern imaging technology can alleviate fears about safety.
• Different types of scans, such as CT, X-ray, and MRI, use varying levels of radiation. For instance, CT scans typically use more radiation than a regular X‑ray.

Also read: CT Scan for Abdominal Pain: Why Doctors Choose it for Quick Answers.

Let’s now explore some of the adverse effects of radiation, which ultimately affect your cells.

How Radiation from Radiology Scans Can Affect Cells

Radiation from radiology scans can interact with your cells and DNA, and theoretical models suggest this may raise the risk of cancer over a lifetime. One extensive study projected that radiation from CT scans performed in a single year could eventually lead to about 103, 000 additional cancer cases ¹.

Here are some of the factors of radiation which cumulate for risks that you must know:

• Ionising radiation damage: When radiation from CT scans passes through your body, it may cause DNA damage. The damage may introduce mutations that, while rare on an individual basis, can accumulate with repeated exposure and affect cell function.
• Cancer risks: More frequent or higher‑dose scans lead to greater cumulative exposure, which research links to a higher cancer risk. Larger cumulative doses have greater potential to affect more cells.
• Sensitivity of organs to radiation: Tissues such as the breast, thyroid, and bone marrow are more sensitive, which can influence the type of cancer risk. Children and younger adults are also more sensitive because their rapidly dividing cells are susceptible to degradation.
• Risk from single scans: Although projections highlight a potential population‑level risk, the risk of cancer from a single scan was never a big issue for patients.
• Clinical best practices: Radiologists use the lowest radiation dose for diagnosis and recommend scans only when medically relevant. The practice eliminates unnecessary cancer risk where possible.

Also read: 128-Slice Cardiac CT Scan: An Informational Guide.

Evidence on Cancer Risk from Radiology Scan Radiation

Exposure to radiation from radiology scans is a known risk factor for cancer, with studies indicating that 5% of all new cancer cases may be linked to CT scan radiation ². In India, the growing use of CT scans raises concerns, since radiation doses from scans are higher than those from standard X-rays.

Studies also highlight that for every 10,000 children exposed to CT scans, one to two can develop a radiation-induced cancer within 10 years. While the cancer risk per individual is low, the cumulative effect of repeated exposure over time adds to the concern.

When Radiation Risk Matters Most: Age and Frequency Factors

Radiation risk from a radiology scan is not uniform for everyone; age at exposure and the number of scans you have over time strongly influence potential long‑term effects. For example, girls under one had an estimated 20 cancers per 1,000 CT scans compared with fewer in older age groups ³.

• Young children, especially under one year old, have more rapidly dividing cells that are more vulnerable to DNA damage from ionising radiation, increasing cancer risk.
• Each additional exposure adds to the cumulative dose, increasing radiation‑linked cell changes later in life, even if individual scans pose a low risk.
• If a young adult undergoes multiple CT tests, the more extended period ahead gives more time for radiation‑induced mutations to develop into cancer than for older adults.
• With age, cells divide less and individual lifetime exposure to radiation has less time to influence cancer risk, so projected risk per scan tends to be lower.
• Radiology teams weigh the necessity of each scan against radiation exposure, especially when repeat scans are considered, to balance diagnostic benefit and risk.

Balancing Diagnostic Benefit and Radiation Concerns in Care

In medical imaging, what is radiation and how it impacts health is an essential consideration for both doctors and patients. Radiation meaning in this context refers to the energy used in scans like X-rays and CT scans. Doctors balance the benefits of diagnostic accuracy with the potential risks of radiation exposure to ensure patient safety.

For most patients, the diagnostic benefits of radiology scans far outweigh the low risk of radiation when used appropriately. It’s essential to discuss with your doctor when scans are necessary to make informed decisions about your health.

Why Choose Eskag Sanjeevani Radiology for Your Diagnostic Scans

Eskag Sanjeevani Radiology stands out as a leading name among radiology centres in India, offering high‑resolution 1.5 TESLA MRI and 128‑Slice Cardiac CT. The radiology centres ensure that patients across the country have easy access to advanced imaging technology, significantly reducing the time between diagnosis and treatment.

With state-of-the-art equipment and diagnostic techniques, Eskag Sanjeevani is well-equipped to address all your needs, including complex cases in radiation oncology.