Fewer CT scans for kids, but some still unnecessary

By Genevra Pittman NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – After years on the rise, the number of CT scans performed on kids every year seems to have started falling, according to a new study. However, researchers found that U.S. children still have about 4 million head, chest, stomach or spine CT tests every year – which they believe will go on to cause close to 5,000 radiation-related cancers. Many of those cancers could be avoided, either with lower-dose scans or no scans at all when they’re not needed, according to Diana Miglioretti and her colleagues. …