risk of cancer increases with exposure to low dose radiation

[Lani]

Not to scare anyone not to have a CT scan or nuclear scan (PET, bone scan, etc)--YOU DO ALREADY HAVE CANCER, of course-- but perhaps to warn those near and dear to keep a diary of how many low dose radiation procedures they have had (CT,PET, bone scan etc) and take it out and show it to their doctors prior to discussing whether there are any alternative imaging procedures which give the same information without radiation (ie, MRI, ultrasound etc).

Not everyone gets all their care at the same facility, and doctors may not be aware of how much cumulative radiation you may already have had.

Unfortunately, MRIs usually cost more than CT scans so the bean counters may try to throw up roadblocks.

They are making progress in decreasing the radiation dose per CT--let's hope that continues.