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X-rays, mammograms, and radiation therapy all involve exposure to ionizing radiation. An X-ray
of the chest exposes a patient to only a small amount of radiation--about the same as one gets from
two airplane flights across the United States.
Studies have not shown an elevated cancer risk associated with X-rays taken to diagnose a disease
or condition. One exception to this is in children whose mothers received X-rays while pregnant:
the children were found to have increased risks of leukemia and other types of cancers. Because of
this finding, X-rays to diagnose a condition in pregnant women are no longer recommended.
Talk with your doctor about the need for each X-ray that he or she suggests. Ask about shields to
protect other parts of your body during an X-ray.
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