Breast cancer affects millions of women across the world. There have been many studies on the risk factors associated with this disease. Now, according to a recent study, it was suggested by researchers that medical imaging should be avoided to reduce the risk.
Scientific data that has been compiled to date in reference to the environmental risks of breast cancer including such factors as pesticides, beauty products, plastics used to make water bottles, as well as, household chemicals, was reviewed by the Institute of Medicine according to Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman of the University of California, in San Francisco.
Although the review couldn’t find enough to support that the factors mentioned previously posed a higher risk for breast cancer, the review did find some startling factors. They concluded that there was sufficient evidence that two other factors did pose a higher risk. These two factors are post menopausal hormone replacement therapy and radiation exposure from medical imaging.
The Institute of Medicine highlighted that one of the best ways to reduce the risk to women for breast cancer was to avoid unnecessary radiation imaging. This was the only thing that was highlighted in according to an article in the Archives of Internal Medicine journal.
Although medical imaging such as Computed tomography (CT) or CAT Scans among others have radically changed medicine and has been life saving for many patients, women need to talk with their doctors as to whether these tests are absolutely necessary, according to Dr. Smith-Bindman.
Women should discuss with their doctor as to whether there are other alternative tests that can be performed that will help manage their condition. They should also find out if by having the scan if it will change how their condition or disease is managed.
