Imaging and Radiation Exposure — What You Need to Know

Medical imaging is one of the greatest advancements in modern healthcare. From X-rays and CT scans to MRI and ultrasound, these tools allow doctors to see beneath the surface and make life-saving decisions.
But every tool carries a responsibility. Many forms of imaging expose the body to ionizing radiation, which, if overused or misapplied, can create unnecessary long-term risk.
At Aruka, we believe in informed partnership — knowing when imaging is necessary, understanding its risks and benefits, and asking the right questions before agreeing to any procedure.

Why Radiation Awareness Matters

When your body is exposed to ionizing radiation, energy passes through tissues and cells. At diagnostic levels, this is generally safe — but repeated or unnecessary exposure may slightly increase the risk of long-term cellular damage.

The key is not avoidance — it’s awareness. Most medical imaging is low-risk and highly beneficial when guided by medical necessity. The challenge comes when imaging becomes routine, duplicated, or unmonitored over time.

Balancing Benefit and Risk

Every scan should be viewed through a balanced lens:

• What is the benefit? What specific diagnostic information will it provide?
• What is the risk? How much radiation is involved, and could an alternative method achieve the same outcome?

Modern imaging centers follow the principle of ALARA — As Low As Reasonably Achievable — to keep doses minimal while still producing diagnostic-quality images.

The greater risk arises when scans are repeated without record-keeping, when several providers order overlapping tests, or when patients are unaware of their cumulative exposure.

Common Radiation Exposure Levels

Below are general approximations of radiation exposure from common imaging studies. The goal is awareness — not fear.

Imaging Type	Approximate Dose (mSv)	Relative Exposure
Chest X-ray	0.1	Equivalent to 10 days of natural background radiation
Mammogram	0.4	About 7 weeks of background exposure
Head CT	2	About 8 months of background exposure
Chest CT	7	About 2 years of background exposure
Whole-Body CT	10	Roughly 3 years of background exposure

The higher the mSv number, the greater the radiation dose — which underscores why minimizing repeat scans matters.

Questions to Ask Before Any Imaging Test

The most powerful way to reduce unnecessary exposure is by being an active participant in your care. Before your next scan, consider asking:

1. Why do I need this imaging study?
   What will it tell us that other methods cannot?
2. Are there alternatives?
   Could ultrasound or MRI — which do not use radiation — provide the same information?
3. How many imaging studies have I had recently?
   Could prior images be reviewed instead of repeating new ones?
4. What is the approximate radiation dose?
   How does it compare to normal daily exposure?
5. Is the imaging facility accredited for low-dose protocols?
   Facilities that optimize exposure can significantly reduce risk.
6. How will this scan change my treatment plan?
   If the results won’t influence a clinical decision, reconsider the necessity.

Practical Steps to Protect Yourself

• Keep a Personal Imaging Record: Log every scan type, date, and facility. This helps prevent duplication across providers.
• Ask for Low-Dose Options: Especially if imaging is repeated annually or semi-annually.
• Compare Modalities: Ultrasound and MRI are often suitable alternatives for soft-tissue or organ evaluations.
• Discuss Cumulative Exposure: Bring up prior imaging history during consultations.
• Follow-Up Only When Needed: If symptoms resolve or improve, ask whether repeat imaging remains necessary.

The Aruka Perspective

Imaging saves lives — but awareness preserves them.
At Aruka, we teach clients that stewardship of the body includes understanding what’s being done to it and why. Imaging is a powerful diagnostic ally when used with purpose, prudence, and partnership.

Ask. Understand. Apply. Reassess.
That’s the Aruka way — informed care through Authentic Medicine.

References

1. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Medical X-Ray Imaging: What You Need to Know. 2023. https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-imaging/medical-x-ray-imaging
2. Harvard Health Publishing. Radiation Risk from Medical Imaging. 2021. https://www.health.harvard.edu/cancer/radiation-risk-from-medical-imaging
3. National Institutes of Health. Radiation from CT Scans and Cancer Risks. 2025. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/radiation-ct-scans-cancer-risks
4. StatPearls Publishing. Radiation Exposure of Medical Imaging. 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565909/
5. RadiologyInfo.org. Radiation Dose from X-Ray and CT Exams. 2025. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/safety-xray
6. JAMA Network Open. It Is Time to Inform Patients of Medical Imaging Risks. 2023. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2784921
7. PMC. Radiation Risk from Medical Imaging. 2011. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2996147/
8. Cancer Research UK. Ionising Radiation and Cancer. 2024. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/air-pollution-radiation-and-cancer/ionising-radiation-and-cancer