X-ray technology creates images of your body through electromagnetic radiation. Doctors use X-rays to look for tumors, broken bones, infections, and lung and digestive tract problems. Although X-rays can help doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions, they also increase your risk of eventually developing cancer.
Features
X-ray energy is composed of radiation, which passes through your body. Repeated or high exposure to X-ray radiation can change how your body cells divide, causing diseases, such as cancer. However, each individual X-ray exposes you to a very small dose of radiation.
Considerations
People are constantly exposed to low levels of radiation from naturally occurring radon gas, airplane flights and other sources. According to Radiology Info, one chest X-ray provides the same amount of radiation exposure that an average person would encounter naturally during 10 days.
Safety
Keep track of your X-ray examinations, especially if you have frequently had X-rays or if you switch healthcare providers often. Tell your doctor if you have had many X-rays in the past. In addition, always tell your doctor if you may be pregnant before having an X-ray, since X-rays may damage a developing fetus.
Tags: your body, your doctor
