Medical imaging plays an important role in helping doctors diagnose illnesses, evaluate injuries and guide treatment decisions. For children, these tools can be especially valuable, providing answers quickly when timely care matters most.
At the same time, new research is shedding light on an important consideration: the potential long-term impact of radiation exposure from certain imaging tests.
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that children exposed to higher amounts of radiation from medical imaging were more likely to develop certain blood cancers later in life. The researchers found that risk increased as radiation exposure increased, adding to a growing body of evidence linking imaging-related radiation to cancer risk in children and young adults.
The findings should not discourage medically necessary imaging. Rather, they highlight an opportunity across the health care system to ensure that children receive the most appropriate imaging test for their specific needs.
Why are children more sensitive to radiation than adults?
Children are more sensitive to radiation than adults because their bodies are still developing. They also have more years ahead of them, which means there is more time for potential long-term effects to emerge.
While the risk associated with any single imaging test is generally low, repeated exposure over time can add up, particularly for children with chronic or complex health conditions who may require ongoing monitoring.
The latest study reinforces what researchers have been observing for years: when it comes to pediatric imaging, every effort should be made to use the right test at the right time.
How does radiation safety apply to pediatric oncology imaging?
The conversation is not about avoiding imaging. In many cases, imaging is essential for making an accurate diagnosis and ensuring children receive the care they need.
Instead, the opportunity lies in choosing the most appropriate imaging approach.
For some conditions, ultrasound or MRI can provide the information clinicians need without exposing patients to radiation. In other situations, CT scans remain the best option because they provide critical information quickly and accurately. The goal is to match the imaging test to the clinical need while minimizing unnecessary exposure whenever possible.
This approach supports a broader shift in health care toward delivering high-quality care that considers both immediate outcomes and long-term well-being.
How health plans can help
Health plans play an important role in supporting evidence-based care across large populations.
Clinical guidelines, decision-support tools and utilization management programs can help ensure imaging decisions are aligned with the latest research and best practices. These resources can support providers in selecting the most appropriate test while maintaining timely access to care.
When imaging decisions are guided by clinical evidence, health plans can help:
- Improve patient safety
- Reduce unnecessary variation in care
- Support better health outcomes
- Promote more consistent care experiences for children and families
- Advance value-based care goals
Most importantly, these efforts help ensure that children receive the care they need while reducing avoidable risks whenever possible.
Supporting safer pediatric imaging decisions
The latest research offers an important reminder that even widely used and highly effective health care tools should continually be evaluated as new evidence emerges.
For pediatric imaging, the takeaway is straightforward: the right imaging test can provide critical answers, support better outcomes and help protect long-term health.
As health care organizations continue to focus on quality, safety and evidence-based care, thoughtful imaging decisions can play a meaningful role in improving both the care children receive today and their health in the future.
EviCore by Evernorth helps health plans deliver a better care experience through clinical expertise, intelligent technology and connected support services. By streamlining processes, improving care coordination and enabling faster access to appropriate treatment, EviCore helps improve health outcomes while managing costs.
