I found this article the other day.
Use of Imaging tests soars, raising questions on radiation risks
Now, I totally understand the concern. Radiation is bad. That's legit. However, that is a price I am willing to pay in order to continue having my bi-yearly check ups to see if my cancer recurring. Really, there is no other way for doctors to catch cancer before it is too advance. Also, a CT scan is how my cancer was found. I am very very grateful for this technology and I really hope doctors don't get "scared away" from a reliable resource that has truly been a blessing. If doctors are going to be even more selective in when they use these types of tests, I am afraid of what that might do for a lot of people suffering silently with cancer. "Oh, you're 25 and have never had any health problems ever? Nahhhh all these signs that in ANYONE ELSE would make me think cancer can't possibly be cancer with you. I'm not going to request that test for you. Have some antibiotics. Go change your diet and you'll feel better." Um, no. It's cancer.
One thing they should really look at is the increase in diseases and illnesses that benefit from imaging testing. More cancer, more brain injuries, more heart disease, etc. etc. So of course there are going to be more tests requested of this variety, but I think that it saves lives and is perfectly valid to use to just check on something.
Yeah I think you're right. It's a balancing act. Having the appropriate suspicions as a clinician helps. I think the ideal process is trying simpler remedies first, but following up and if it doesn't work then moving to something more invasive or more risk. If I remember right it seems like you didn't get a lot of follow-up during the years leading up to your diagnosis, mostly isolated visits, though I could be wrong. And it's understandable due to costs or lack of insurance, but it's not the ideal scenario, naturally.
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