Question: Is there a connection between X-rays and thyroid cancer?

Dr. Brownstein's Answer:

In 2005, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) wrongly stated, “Routine (radiation) exposure (e.g., dental X-rays, chest X-rays, mammograms) does not cause thyroid cancer.” But this past June, the ATA released new guidelines about how to minimize the risk from medical and dental radiological testing.

This new policy states that the risk of thyroid cancer arising from radiation exposure is strongly dependant on the age when the exposure occurs. The risk is greatest in children, increasing dramatically as the child’s age at exposure decreases.

The ATA now “recommends the necessity of all diagnostic X-rays be evaluated before they are performed.” Furthermore, it is recommended to use thyroid shields to protect the gland during CT scans and other diagnostic radiographies.

Thyroid cancer is increasing at a faster rate than any other type of cancer. In 2012, more than 56,000 patients will be diagnosed.

Iodine deficiency is occurring in the vast majority of Americans. It can disrupt the architecture of the thyroid gland and set the stage for cysts, nodules, hyperplasia, and cancer. Radiation can damage the cells of the thyroid (and the rest of the body) and cause or accelerate thyroid cancer.