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Ionizing radiation and cancer prevention

D G Hoel1

  • 1Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA. HOELD@MUSC.EDU

Environmental Health Perspectives
|November 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Ionizing radiation is a known cause of cancer, affecting various organs. While some radiation-induced cancers are unavoidable, minimizing exposure from medical uses and reducing radon are key prevention strategies.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Oncology
  • Radiation Biology

Background:

  • Ionizing radiation is a well-established etiological factor for cancer.
  • Radiation's carcinogenic effects span diverse organs and tissues, distinguishing it among environmental risks.
  • Epidemiological studies with robust dosimetry inform quantitative cancer risk assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of ionizing radiation as a cause of cancer.
  • To discuss the challenges in estimating radiation-attributable cancer burden.
  • To outline prevention strategies for radiation exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological studies with good dosimetry.
  • Analysis of dose-response relationships.
  • Estimation of cancer burden attributable to radiation.

Main Results:

  • Ionizing radiation can induce cancer in multiple organs and tissues.
  • Estimates suggest 1-3% of cancers may be attributable to ionizing radiation.
  • Naturally occurring radiation (cosmic, terrestrial, radon) contributes to unavoidable or partially reducible cancer risks.

Conclusions:

  • While some radiation-induced cancers are not preventable (e.g., from natural sources), radon exposure can often be reduced.
  • Medical radiation use, despite its benefits, requires a strategy focused on minimizing exposure.
  • Understanding radiation's carcinogenic potential is crucial for public health and risk management.

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