Ever had a chest CT scan? Then you’ve received as much radiation as some survivors of Hiroshima. Health reveals this and other underreported dangers of medical imaging tests in its groundbreaking investigation, “Too Many Scans?”–and gives readers the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their families. Writer Ginny Graves begins by laying out some stark statistics: The use of CT scans–three-dimensional, highly detailed, computer-aided X-ray images–has skyrocketed in the last three decades, going from 3 million in 1980 to 76 million in 2013. These tests can be lifesaving, helping doctors diagnose everything from internal injuries to hard-to-find cancers. Unfortunately, they’re also widely overutilized. Perhaps a third of CT scans are medically unnecessary, exposing millions of us each year to unneeded ionizing radiation (the kind that damages DNA, potentially leading to cancer). It’s alarming news, but Health empowers readers to stay safe. The article provides clear explanations of the link between ionizing radiation and cancer, and shows how patients can work with doctors to minimize radiation exposure while still getting the best possible medical care. Carefully curated sidebars pack in service. “Five Questions to Ask Before You Have That Scan” gives exact scripts to follow when a doctor suggests a scan. “You Probably Don’t Need a CT For…” details five scenarios in which CTs are overused (heads up: a blow to the noggin often does not warrant imaging tests). And “Your Anti-Radiation Diet” reports on brand-new research suggesting that an antioxidant-rich diet could shield your body from radiation damage–excellent reason to load up on pumpkin and papaya. Online-only reporting features a cost comparison of different types of imaging tests and tips on how to find the best facility to get a scan. Smart, authoritative and step-by-step practical, this feature is everything readers expect from Health: timely information that they can use to stay well, for now and years to come.
