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Choe AI, Kaya Aumann E, Kasales C, Chetlen A, Sivarajah R. Tips for Addressing Screening Concerns: "Harms of Screening". JOURNAL OF BREAST IMAGING 2024:wbae031. [PMID: 38801726 DOI: 10.1093/jbi/wbae031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Early detection decreases deaths from breast cancer. Yet, there are conflicting recommendations about screening mammography by major professional medical organizations, including the age and frequency with which women should be screened. The controversy over breast cancer screening is centered on 3 main points: the impact on mortality, overdiagnosis, and false positive results. Some studies claim that adverse psychological effects such as anxiety or distress are caused by screening mammography. The purpose of this article is to address negative breast cancer screening concerns including overdiagnosis and overtreatment, effect on mortality, false positive results, mammography-related anxiety, and fear of radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela I Choe
- Radiology, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Emel Kaya Aumann
- Radiology, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Claudia Kasales
- Radiology, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Alison Chetlen
- Radiology, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca Sivarajah
- Radiology, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
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Polito C, Genovese E, Longo M, Cassano B, Donatiello S, Secinaro A, Magistrelli A, Tomà P, Cannatà V. Optimized protocol for repeated chest X-ray in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2020.109255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Oakley PA, Harrison DE. Radiophobic Fear-Mongering, Misappropriation of Medical References and Dismissing Relevant Data Forms the False Stance for Advocating Against the Use of Routine and Repeat Radiography in Chiropractic and Manual Therapy. Dose Response 2021; 19:1559325820984626. [PMID: 33628151 PMCID: PMC7883173 DOI: 10.1177/1559325820984626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a faction within the chiropractic profession passionately advocating against the routine use of X-rays in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with spinal disorders (aka subluxation). These activists reiterate common false statements such as "there is no evidence" for biomechanical spine assessment by X-ray, "there are no guidelines" supporting routine imaging, and also promulgate the reiterating narrative that "X-rays are dangerous." These arguments come in the form of recycled allopathic "red flag only" medical guidelines for spine care, opinion pieces and consensus statements. Herein, we review these common arguments and present compelling data refuting such claims. It quickly becomes evident that these statements are false. They are based on cherry-picked medical references and, most importantly, expansive evidence against this narrative continues to be ignored. Factually, there is considerable evidential support for routine use of radiological imaging in chiropractic and manual therapies for 3 main purposes: 1. To assess spinopelvic biomechanical parameters; 2. To screen for relative and absolute contraindications; 3. To reassess a patient's progress from some forms of spine altering treatments. Finally, and most importantly, we summarize why the long-held notion of carcinogenicity from X-rays is not a valid argument.
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Oakley PA, Harrison DE. Death of the ALARA Radiation Protection Principle as Used in the Medical Sector. Dose Response 2020; 18:1559325820921641. [PMID: 32425724 PMCID: PMC7218317 DOI: 10.1177/1559325820921641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
ALARA is the acronym for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable." It is a radiation protection concept borne from the linear no-threshold (LNT) hypothesis. There are no valid data today supporting the use of LNT in the low-dose range, so dose as a surrogate for risk in radiological imaging is not appropriate, and therefore, the use of the ALARA concept is obsolete. Continued use of an outdated and erroneous principle unnecessarily constrains medical professionals attempting to deliver high-quality care to patients by leading to a reluctance by doctors to order images, a resistance from patients/parents to receive images, subquality images, repeated imaging, increased radiation exposures, the stifling of low-dose radiation research and treatment, and the propagation of radiophobia and continued endorsement of ALARA by regulatory bodies. All these factors result from the fear of radiogenic cancer, many years in the future, that will not occur. It has been established that the dose threshold for leukemia is higher than previously thought. A low-dose radiation exposure from medical imaging will likely upregulate the body's adaptive protection systems leading to the prevention of future cancers. The ALARA principle, as used as a radiation protection principle throughout medicine, is scientifically defunct and should be abandoned.
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Oakley PA, Ehsani NN, Harrison DE. Repeat Radiography in Monitoring Structural Changes in the Treatment of Spinal Disorders in Chiropractic and Manual Medicine Practice: Evidence and Safety. Dose Response 2019; 17:1559325819891043. [PMID: 31839759 PMCID: PMC6900628 DOI: 10.1177/1559325819891043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is substantial evidence for normal relationships between spine and postural
parameters, as measured from radiographs of standing patients. Sagittal balance,
cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and the more
complex understanding of the interrelations between these essential components
of normal stance have evolved to where there are known, established thresholds
for normalcy. These spinal parameters are reliably measured from X-ray images
and serve as goals of care in the treatment of spine and postural disorders.
Initial and follow-up spinal imaging by X-ray is thus crucial for the practice
of contemporary and evidence-based structural rehabilitation. Recent studies
have demonstrated that improvement in the spine and posture by nonsurgical
methods offers superior long-term patient outcomes versus conventional methods
that only temporarily treat pain/dysfunction. Low-dose radiation from repeated
X-ray imaging in treating subluxated patients is substantially below the known
threshold for harm and is within background radiation exposures. Since
alternative imaging methods are not clinically practical at this time, plain
radiography remains the standard for spinal imaging. It is safe when used in a
repeated fashion for quantifying pre–post spine and postural subluxation and
deformity patterns in the practice of structural correction methods by
chiropractic and other manual medicine practices.
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Tharmalingam S, Sreetharan S, Brooks AL, Boreham DR. Re-evaluation of the linear no-threshold (LNT) model using new paradigms and modern molecular studies. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 301:54-67. [PMID: 30763548 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The linear no-threshold (LNT) model is currently used to estimate low dose radiation (LDR) induced health risks. This model lacks safety thresholds and postulates that health risks caused by ionizing radiation is directly proportional to dose. Therefore even the smallest radiation dose has the potential to cause an increase in cancer risk. Advances in LDR biology and cell molecular techniques demonstrate that the LNT model does not appropriately reflect the biology or the health effects at the low dose range. The main pitfall of the LNT model is due to the extrapolation of mutation and DNA damage studies that were conducted at high radiation doses delivered at a high dose-rate. These studies formed the basis of several outdated paradigms that are either incorrect or do not hold for LDR doses. Thus, the goal of this review is to summarize the modern cellular and molecular literature in LDR biology and provide new paradigms that better represent the biological effects in the low dose range. We demonstrate that LDR activates a variety of cellular defense mechanisms including DNA repair systems, programmed cell death (apoptosis), cell cycle arrest, senescence, adaptive memory, bystander effects, epigenetics, immune stimulation, and tumor suppression. The evidence presented in this review reveals that there are minimal health risks (cancer) with LDR exposure, and that a dose higher than some threshold value is necessary to achieve the harmful effects classically observed with high doses of radiation. Knowledge gained from this review can help the radiation protection community in making informed decisions regarding radiation policy and limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada.
| | - Shayenthiran Sreetharan
- Department of Medical Physics and Applied Radiation Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Antone L Brooks
- Environmental Science, Washington State University, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Douglas R Boreham
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada; Bruce Power, Tiverton, ON(3), UK.
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Abstract
Hormesis can be explained by evolutionary adaptation to the current level of a factor present in the natural environment or to some average from the past. This pertains also to ionizing radiation as the natural background has been decreasing during the time of the life existence. DNA damage and repair are normally in a dynamic balance. The conservative nature of the DNA repair suggests that cells may have retained some capability to repair damage from higher radiation levels than that existing today. According to this concept, the harm caused by radioactive contamination would tend to zero with a dose rate tending to a wide range level of the natural radiation background. Existing evidence in favor of hormesis is substantial, experimental data being partly at variance with results of epidemiological studies. Potential bias, systematic errors, and motives to exaggerate risks from low-dose low-rate ionizing radiation are discussed here. In conclusion, current radiation safety norms are exceedingly restrictive and should be revised on the basis of scientific evidence. Elevation of the limits must be accompanied by measures guaranteeing their observance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V Jargin
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Paunesku T, Haley B, Brooks A, Woloschak GE. Biological basis of radiation protection needs rejuvenation. Int J Radiat Biol 2017; 93:1056-1063. [PMID: 28287035 PMCID: PMC7340141 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2017.1294773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Human beings encounter radiation in many different situations – from proximity to radioactive waste sites to participation in medical procedures using X-rays etc. Limits for radiation exposures are legally regulated; however, current radiation protection policy does not explicitly acknowledge that biological, cellular and molecular effects of low doses and low dose rates of radiation differ from effects induced by medium and high dose radiation exposures. Recent technical developments in biology and medicine, from single cell techniques to big data computational research, have enabled new approaches for study of biology of low doses of radiation. Results of the work done so far support the idea that low doses of radiation have effects that differ from those associated with high dose exposures; this work, however, is far from sufficient for the development of a new theoretical framework needed for the understanding of low dose radiation exposures. Conclusions: Mechanistic understanding of radiation effects at low doses is necessary in order to develop better radiation protection policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Paunesku
- a Department of Radiation Oncology , Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Benjamin Haley
- a Department of Radiation Oncology , Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Antone Brooks
- a Department of Radiation Oncology , Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Gayle E Woloschak
- a Department of Radiation Oncology , Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
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Tomà P, Cannatà V, Genovese E, Magistrelli A, Granata C. Radiation exposure in diagnostic imaging: wisdom and prudence, but still a lot to understand. Radiol Med 2016; 122:215-220. [PMID: 27888430 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-016-0709-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Since 2000, a series of scientific articles on CT have been raising increasing concern about the risk of radiation induced cancer in children. The alarming conclusions of some of these articles had international echo through global media, provoking widespread public concern. Actually, many of these alarming scientific publications appeared to be flawed by poor study design, but their conclusions were not openly contradicted. In US and Europe pediatric radiologists had to face a huge challenge, which brought to the Image Gently campaign and the Eurosafe initiative with the aim to rebut misinformation and to support medical radiation protection. The Linear No Threshold model-which is the base of contemporary radioprotection-is increasingly questioned by new recent studies suggesting that low dose radiation would decrease cancer risk thanks to the enhancement of immune system response. Actually, pediatric radiologists have to cope with many important issues and contradictory messages. Good medical practice includes good communication about the benefits and risks of health procedures, thus the communication of radiation risk is a key component for radiologists. When considering benefits and risks, an important risk is too often ignored: the risk that skipping a diagnostic exam may cause a misdiagnosis, and therefore, a poor outcome. We should emphasize that a risk from a radiological investigation is very small, if a risk at all, and we are not sure that there is a risk at very low doses, like those doses in the majority of X-ray procedures including CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Tomà
- Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Cannatà
- Clinical Technology Innovations Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Genovese
- Clinical Technology Innovations Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Magistrelli
- Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Granata
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147, Genoa, Italy.
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Yang G, Li W, Jiang H, Liang X, Zhao Y, Yu D, Zhou L, Wang G, Tian H, Han F, Cai L, Cui J. Low-dose radiation may be a novel approach to enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapeutics. Int J Cancer 2016; 139:2157-68. [PMID: 27299986 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
It has been generally accepted that both natural and man-made sources of ionizing radiation contribute to human exposure and consequently pose a possible risk to human health. However, accumulating evidence has shown that the biological effects of low-dose radiation (LDR) are different from those of high-dose radiation. LDR can stimulate proliferation of normal cells and activate their defense systems, while these biological effects are not observed in some cancer cell types. Although there is still no concordance on this matter, the fact that LDR has the potential to enhance the effects of cancer therapeutics and reduce the toxic side effects of anti-cancer therapy has garnered significant interest. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding the experimental data detailing the different responses of normal and cancer tissues to LDR, the underlying mechanisms, and its significance in clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guozi Yang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,Department of Radiation-Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Hongyu Jiang
- Health Examination Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xinyue Liang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yuguang Zhao
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Dehai Yu
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Guanjun Wang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Huimin Tian
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Fujun Han
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Lu Cai
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China. .,Kosair Children's Hospital Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics, Radiation Oncology, Pharmacology and Toxicology of the University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202.
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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