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Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Cancer Information Service Health Topics A-Z Health Topics by Category
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Radiation and Cancer Risks
Peer Review Status: Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Information Service
First Published: September 2001
Last Revised: May 2003
Radiation is the movement of energetic particles or waves through
space. These waves or particles can share their energy with (and
sometimes damage) materials like human tissue. Radiation is generated
by common sources like the sun, radioactive materials, and electronic
devices. Radiation can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of
cancer. We are also exposed to naturally occurring radiation or
background radiation.
Naturally occurring background radiation
Naturally occurring radiation has nothing to do with radioactive
fallout from nuclear weapons or nuclear power plant accidents. Our
world is and always has been radioactive. Background radiation
accounts for an individual receiving an average of 300 millirem each
year. For example, a cross country airplane flight results in a dose
of 4 mrem per trip. A routine chest x-ray is about 10 mrem.
Other sources of radiation:
- Smoking-Cigarette smoke contains polonium, enough to
result in a radiation exposure of 1300 mrem if you smoke 1.5 packs
per day. A nonsmoker, living with a smoker, may receive the
equivalent of 12 chest x-rays per year as a result of second-hand
smoke.
- Radon-Radon is a naturally occurring odorless, tasteless radioactive
gas. It is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium and radium
in soil, rock and water. Many homes and buildings have high levels
of radon.
- Medical Radiation-The benefit of diagnostic x-rays and cancer
therapies are almost always greater than any risk that the
radiation may carry. Ask your doctor to explain the benefits and
risks to you so that you can make a knowledgeable choice.
Food irradiation-Food irradiation preserves food by killing
insects, parasites and some forms of bacteria, as well as inhibiting
spoilage by retarding the ripening of fruit. This is an alternative
process to using chemical preservatives and can reduce the use of
pesticides. Irradiated food itself is not radioactive, and causes no
radiation exposure to a consumer.
To monitor or reduce your exposure to radiation:
- Stop smoking and/or reduce your exposure to other people's
smoke.
- Talk with your doctor and dentist about the necessity of
x-rays. Follow their advice about having diagnostic x-rays.
- Test your home for radon and take action if necessary.
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