Does a Total Radiation Dose of 6.131 mSv Increase Cancer Risk?

A radiation exposure of 6.081 millisieverts in one month could potentially increase the risk of cancer, depending on various factors such as individual susceptibility and overall health. Additionally, a total radiation dose of 6.131 millisieverts may also contribute to cancer risk, although the relationship between radiation exposure and cancer development is complex and influenced by cumulative exposure over time. It is important to consult with a medical professional for a comprehensive assessment of risk?

Hello Doctor: On March 7th of this month, I experienced lower back pain and went to the emergency room where I had spinal X-rays taken, including lateral views.
The health insurance app indicated a medical radiation reference dose of 1.454 millisieverts for the spinal X-rays and 2.077 millisieverts for the lateral views.

On March 24th, I had abdominal pain and underwent an abdominal X-ray, with the health insurance app showing a medical radiation reference dose of 1.275 millisieverts.

On April 4th, I suddenly had abdominal pain again and had another abdominal X-ray, which also showed a medical radiation reference dose of 1.275 millisieverts.
[A small question: Is there a risk in having abdominal X-rays taken 11 days apart?]
The total dose is: 1.275 + 1.275 + 1.454 + 2.077 = 6.081.
Last year, I also had a chest X-ray with a dose of 0.056.
Therefore, the total cumulative dose is 6.081 + 0.05 = 6.131.

Is there a possibility that this could increase the risk of cancer? I am quite anxious about this!

Mr. Hsu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/07

Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology

Hello, the necessity of X-ray radiation examinations is considered without limiting the radiation dose or the number of examinations.
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine issued a public statement in 2011 stating that if a single "radiation examination" has a radiation dose of less than 50 millisieverts, and multiple "radiation examinations" are conducted within a short period (such as one year) with a total dose of less than 100 millisieverts, the potential risks of the "radiation dose" can be disregarded, or even considered negligible.
Following your doctor's instructions to undergo radiation-related examinations is based on the assessment that the health benefits outweigh the effects of radiation.
If you have concerns, it is advisable to communicate further with your physician before proceeding with the examination.
Do not avoid examinations out of fear of radiation, as this may lead to missed opportunities for disease treatment.
Please refer to the above information, and I wish you peace and health.
Ministry of Health and Welfare Health Passbook Press Release https://www.mohw.gov.tw/cp-5023-64571-1.html American Radiologic Technologists website https://www.xrayrisk.com/calculator/calculator.php

Reply Date: 2023/04/07

More Info

The concern regarding radiation exposure from medical imaging, particularly in relation to cancer risk, is a common one among patients. Your total radiation dose of 6.131 mSv, derived from multiple X-ray examinations, is indeed a valid concern, but it is essential to contextualize this figure within the broader framework of radiation exposure and cancer risk.

First, let's break down the numbers. The average person is exposed to about 3 mSv of natural background radiation each year from sources such as cosmic rays, radon, and terrestrial radiation. Medical imaging can add to this exposure, but the doses from individual X-ray procedures are generally quite low. For instance, a standard chest X-ray typically delivers about 0.1 mSv, while a lumbar spine X-ray can range from 1 to 2 mSv depending on the technique used.

In your case, the total calculated dose of 6.131 mSv is relatively modest when compared to the annual background radiation exposure. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) suggests that doses below 100 mSv are unlikely to cause any significant health effects, including cancer. The risk of developing cancer from radiation exposure is often expressed as a statistical increase in risk, and for doses around 10 mSv, the risk of developing cancer is estimated to increase by about 0.01% to 0.05%. Therefore, your total dose of 6.131 mSv would correspond to a very small increase in risk, likely in the range of 0.006% to 0.03%.

Regarding your specific question about the interval between X-rays, the frequency of imaging should always be justified by the clinical need. In general, repeating X-rays within a short time frame, such as 11 days, is acceptable if there is a clear medical indication. The potential benefits of diagnosing and treating a condition often outweigh the risks associated with the radiation exposure from the imaging.

It is also important to note that the cumulative risk of cancer from radiation exposure is a complex topic. While there is a theoretical risk associated with any exposure to ionizing radiation, the actual increase in cancer risk from your total dose of 6.131 mSv is minimal. The majority of cancers are influenced by a multitude of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures, with radiation being just one of many potential contributors.

In conclusion, while it is prudent to be aware of radiation exposure and to minimize unnecessary imaging, your total dose of 6.131 mSv is not likely to pose a significant cancer risk. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about your concerns and the necessity of any imaging studies. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits of further imaging and ensure that your health is monitored appropriately. Remember, avoiding necessary medical care due to fear of radiation can lead to missed diagnoses and treatment opportunities, which can be far more detrimental to your health.

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