Radiology Society Reports Medical Imaging Benefits Far Outweigh Radiation Risks

A U.S. medical society is urging physicians and patients to put recent reports about radiation exposure in context when considering life-saving medical imaging exams

In response to a recent report by the U.S. National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement (NCRP; Bethesda, MD, USA) stating that the U.S. population is now exposed to seven times more radiation from medical imaging exams than in 1980, SNM (formerly the Society of Nuclear Imaging; Reston, VA, USA), an organization formed to promote new advances in the science of nuclear medicine, urges Americans to consider the proven benefits of such imaging.

SNM and its 17,000 member physicians, clinicians, and technologists support the use of diagnostic imaging when deemed medically necessary by a physician and in the best interest of the patient. In such cases, diagnostic imaging could make a significant difference in the diagnosis, treatment or overall management of disease. "Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging hold great promise for diagnosis and tailoring treatments for patients with cancer, neurological, or cardiovascular disorders," said Robert W. Atcher, Ph.D., MBA, president of SNM. "We support giving patients the care they need by qualified, accredited nuclear medicine and molecular imaging physicians."

Citing studies such as the U.S. National Oncologic PET Registry (NOPR), Dr. Atcher described how medical imaging has led to a change in treatment in more than one out of three patients with common forms of cancer. This means that physicians successfully use PET scans to detect disease earlier, provide more targeted treatment and therapy, and often eliminate the need for exploratory surgery.

To further protect patients, SNM is actively collaborating with other organizations representing oncologists, cardiologists, radiologists, and other medical professions to ensure that anyone--whether a physician or technologist--is adequately trained and credentialed prior to performing a nuclear medicine procedure.

Positron emission tomography (PET)--a sophisticated molecular imaging test--is a noninvasive, painless molecular imaging technology that allows physicians to determine how organs and tissues inside the body are functioning on a molecular and cellular level. PET is a powerful diagnostic tool that is advancing the understanding of underlying causes of disease and improving the way in which many diseases are detected and treated.

PET can detect disease at the earliest stages, since disease processes often begin with functional changes at the cellular level. Risks involved with PET scans are minimal, with the benefits often far outweighing the risks. In fact, PET scans can eliminate the need for exploratory tests and help individuals avoid potentially expensive and invasive surgeries later. During PET scans, patients are exposed to radioactive material, but in very low doses that do not affect normal bodily functions.

"Millions of Americans benefit each year from nuclear medicine procedures used to diagnose and treat a wide variety of diseases," said Dr. Atcher. "The use of radiation in these procedures provides doctors with information that would otherwise require less accurate tests or exploratory surgery, necessitate more costly and invasive procedures, or simply be unavailable. The risks of not performing a needed medical exam are usually much greater than the risks of the radiation exposures associated with the exam."

SNM is an international scientific and professional organization founded in 1954 to promote the science, technology, and practical application of nuclear medicine. Its 16,000 members are physicians, technologists, and scientists specializing in the research and practice of nuclear medicine. In addition to publishing journals, newsletters, and books, the Society also sponsors international meetings and workshops designed to increase the competencies of nuclear medicine practitioners and to promote new advances in the science of nuclear medicine.

Related Links:
SNM
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement