With recent media coverage focusing on the risk of cancer from medical imaging, patients and physicians have become more concerned about the increased use of CT scans and x-rays. In response we have developed an educational website for patients and physicians to learn about radiation exposure from medical imaging. The site is available for free at www.xrayrisk.com. One of the site’s main features is a web-based calculator that allows users to track their imaging history and estimate their increased risk of cancer based on the studies they have had.

Exposure data was compiled from the National Academy of Sciences report on the Health Risks from Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation, specifically the BEIR VII Phase 2 Report. Data is based on the incidence of all invasive cancer types with users entering their gender and age at the time of the study. Average doses were used, but if a user knows the Dose Length Product (mGy • cm), they can covert it to Effective Dose (mSv). Patients can find additional information in the Frequently Asked Questions section.

Great effort has been made throughout the medical community to ensure patient safety while providing quality diagnostic images. It is important to realize that in a properly performed individual exam, the potential health benefits almost always outweigh the potential risks of radiation exposure. The website aims to provide accurate information for patients and health care providers to facilitate well-informed discussions about the increased risk of cancer from low dose radiation exposure.