绿帽社

Skip to main content

Cancer Risk and Prevention

Can I Avoid or Limit My Exposure to X-rays and Gamma Rays?

We are all exposed to some amount of radiation just from being on this planet. You can, however, limit your exposure to some sources of radiation, such as x-rays from imaging tests, radiation in the workplace, and radon in your home.

We are all exposed to some amount of radiation just from being on this planet. You can, however, limit your exposure to some sources of radiation, such as x-rays from imaging tests, radiation in the workplace, and radon in your home.

Radiation from imaging tests

The increased risk of cancer from exposure to any single imaging test is likely to be very small. But radiation exposure from all sources can add up over one’s lifetime, so imaging tests that use radiation should only be done if there is a good medical reason to do so. The usefulness of the test must always be balanced against the possible risks from exposure to the radiation.

Sometimes, other imaging tests that don’t use radiation such as ultrasound or MRI might be an option. But if there is a reason to believe that an x-ray or CT scan is the best way to look for cancer or other diseases, a person will most likely be helped more than the small dose of radiation can hurt.

If you do need a test that will expose you to some radiation, ask if there are ways to shield the parts of your body that aren’t being imaged from being ex