New studies published in the Archives of Internal Medicine reveal that computerized tomography, also known as the CAT scan or CT scan, may be responsible for approximately 29,000 additional cancers every year, of which about 15,000 could be fatal.Why you say? Because doctors are using this diagnostic tool too frequently and the amount of radiation one is exposed during a CT scan is much higher than traditional X-rays.

The radiation you are exposed to during a CAT scan accumulates in your body.  Therefore, every time you have computerized tomography, it
remains and builds up. If you just have one CAT scan in your lifetime, then there is relatively little risk. However, the more often you have
one, the higher your risks.

If your doctor sends you to the hospital for a CAT scan every time you have symptoms, which is often the case, then your risk is very high. Approximately 72 million CT scans are performed every year.