Tuesday, October 05, 2004

X-rays 'cause 700 cancers a year'

Scientists believe that the use of x-rays to aid diagnosis causes hundreds of extra cancers each year in the UK.

Researchers from Oxford University and Cancer Research UK believe that about 0.6% of total cancer risk may be due to exposure to x-rays in hospitals.

Experts say that doctors should avoid "unnecessary" x-rays and CT scans.

BBC News Health