Ask the doctor: Medical x-rays and risk of cancer

Q. I am currently receiving annual chest CT scans to check for hidden lung cancer (I used to be a heavy smoker). Should I be concerned about the cumulative effects of radiation exposure?

A. Radiation from medical scans can cause cancer, but the level of exposure considered potentially dangerous appears to be many times greater than the average CT scan. In addition, cancer from medical scans takes decades to develop, which makes it less of a concern for men being screened for lung cancer, which is currently only recommended for current or former smokers ages 55 and older. Radiation from CT scans is a bigger concern for children and young adults, who have more time to develop cancer after exposure to medical x-rays.