DIRE
SIDE EFFECTS

Ionizing radiation can cause cancer by damaging the DNA of healthy cells, thus causing them to grow and divide in an uncontrolled manner. Radiation-induced cancer can occur due to exposure to medical radiation, such as that used in radiation therapy for cancer treatment, or to lower medical radiation doses accumulated over time or due to to environmental exposure.

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It is estimated that 2% of patients that undergo DIRE acquire cancer from DIRE. Approximately 100 million CT scans we ordered in 2022. This equates to 2 million patients that acquired cancer from DIRE in their medical tests.

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Ionizing radiation can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by damaging the inner lining of blood vessels, called the endothelium. This damage can lead to inflammation and clot formation in the veins, which can obstruct blood flow and cause DVT. Radiation therapy for cancer treatment is a common source of ionizing radiation that can increase the risk of DVT, especially in patients who already have pre-existing risk factors such as older age, obesity, and immobility. 

 

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Cancer Associated Thrombus is increasing. 

 

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Venous Thromboembolism is the second leading cause of deaths in cancer patients. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is the second leading cause of death for cancer patients. Cancer patients are at an increased risk of developing VTE due to a variety of factors including changes in blood composition, immobility, and the use of certain cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Early detection and prompt treatment of VTE is crucial in reducing the risk of fatal complications in cancer patients. 

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Is radiation the second leading causing of death for cancer patients?

Ionizing Radiation has been linked to an increased risk of leukemia, which is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. When ionizing radiation penetrates the body, it can damage the DNA in blood-forming cells, which can lead to mutations and abnormal growth. These mutations can cause the cells to grow uncontrollably, leading to the development of leukemia.

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Ionizing radiation has also been linked to an increased risk of multiple myeloma and lymphoma, which are types of cancer that affect the blood and immune system. Like leukemia, these cancers can develop when ionizing radiation damages the DNA in blood and immune cells. This damage can lead to mutations that cause the cells to grow uncontrollably, leading to the development of cancer. The risk of multiple myeloma and lymphoma is greatest for people who have been exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation, such as those who have undergone radiation therapy for cancer or those who have been exposed to radiation from nuclear accidents or weapons testing. However, even low levels of ionizing radiation can increase the risk of these cancers over time, making it important to limit exposure as much as possible.

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There is some evidence to suggest that ionizing radiation exposure may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and coordination. While the exact mechanisms linking ionizing radiation to Parkinson's disease are not yet fully understood, it is thought that radiation exposure may cause damage to the cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control movement. This damage can lead to the death of these cells over time, contributing to the development of Parkinson's disease. The risk of Parkinson's disease from ionizing radiation exposure is greatest for people who have been exposed to high levels of radiation, such as those who have worked in nuclear power plants or have been exposed to radiation from nuclear accidents or weapons testing. However, more research is needed to fully understand the link between ionizing radiation and Parkinson's disease.

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There is some evidence to suggest that exposure to ionizing radiation may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory and cognitive function. While the exact mechanisms linking ionizing radiation to Alzheimer's disease are not yet fully understood, it is thought that ionizing radiation exposure can cause oxidative stress in the brain, which can lead to damage to brain cells and contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, ionizing radiation exposure has been shown to cause inflammation in the brain, which is also thought to play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The risk of Alzheimer's disease from ionizing radiation exposure is greatest for people who have been exposed to high levels of radiation, such as those who have worked in nuclear power plants or have been exposed to radiation from nuclear accidents or weapons testing. However, more research is needed to fully understand the link between ionizing radiation and Alzheimer's disease.

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There is some evidence to suggest that exposure to ionizing radiation may increase the risk of developing diabetes, a metabolic disorder that affects how the body processes glucose. While the exact mechanisms linking ionizing radiation to diabetes are not yet fully understood, it is thought that radiation exposure can cause damage to the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This damage can lead to a reduction in insulin production, contributing to the development of diabetes. Additionally, ionizing radiation exposure has been shown to cause inflammation in the body, which is thought to play a role in the development of diabetes. The risk of diabetes from ionizing radiation exposure is greatest for people who have been exposed to high levels of radiation, such as those who have undergone radiation therapy for cancer or those who have been exposed to radiation from nuclear accidents or weapons testing. However, more research is needed to fully understand the link between ionizing radiation and diabetes.

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Ionizing radiation damages the cells that create and maintain the bones, leading to the thinning and weakening of the bones, which is known as osteoporosis. The long-term effect of the radiation can cause a decrease in the density of the bones, leading to an increased risk of fractures and other bone-related conditions.

 

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Ionizing radiation can cause short stature by damaging the development of bones, which can lead to shorter height. Additionally, radiation can damage the pituitary gland, which is responsible for producing growth hormones and can lead to stunted growth.

 

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It is estimated that 1 out of every 2000 patients that have a CT scan will die from DIRE each year. Further, an additional 2000 patients per year will die from exposure to ionizing radiation from CT Angiography. Greater than 57,000 cancer deaths occurred from CT scans and CT Angiography in 2022 based on the 110 million CT scans ordered. Due to the lack of awareness of medical radiation deaths, these patients, and likely their clinicians, had no knowledge that their medical tests attributed to their deaths.

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Ionizing radiation has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, which is a broad term used to describe a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. When ionizing radiation penetrates the body, it can damage the cells that line the blood vessels, leading to inflammation and scarring. Over time, this damage can cause the blood vessels to narrow and harden, leading to conditions such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Ionizing radiation can also damage the heart muscle itself, leading to conditions such as cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The risk of heart disease from ionizing radiation exposure is greatest for people who have undergone radiation therapy for cancer, especially if the radiation was directed towards the chest area. However, even low levels of ionizing radiation can increase the risk of heart disease over time, making it important to limit exposure as much as possible.

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Ionizing radiation has been linked to a wide range of thyroid diseases, including thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism. Radiation can damage the cells in the thyroid gland, causing them to become dysfunctional, leading to issues like hypo- or hyperthyroidism. This can be caused by radiation exposure from medical sources, such as X-rays, nuclear reactor accidents, or Chernobyl-type disasters. A person's risk of developing thyroid disease increases the more they are exposed to radiation. Scientists have also noted that the age at which a person is exposed to radiation can increase their risk, with younger individuals being at greater risk than adults. Therefore, it is important to take precautions when undergoing any type of radiation-based medical treatment.

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Ionizing radiation can cause lymphedema by damaging the lymphatic vessels that carry fluid throughout the body, leading to a buildup of fluid in the affected area. This can occur in patients who have undergone radiation therapy for cancer, particularly in areas like the breast, abdomen, or pelvis. The damage to the lymphatic vessels can prevent them from functioning properly, resulting in swelling, discomfort, and limited range of motion. The risk of developing lymphedema following radiation therapy is higher in patients who have had lymph nodes removed, but it can also occur in those who have not. It is important for patients undergoing radiation therapy to monitor for any signs of lymphedema and to work with their healthcare provider to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

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Exposure to ionizing radiation can also increase the risk of developing cataracts. The radiation damages the proteins in the lens of the eye, leading to cloudiness and impaired vision. This can occur after a single high-dose exposure or from repeated exposure over time, such as in individuals who work with radiation regularly. Protective measures like wearing appropriate eye protection and reducing exposure time can help to minimize the risk of developing radiation-induced cataracts. Individuals who are at higher risk of exposure to ionizing radiation should be vigilant about monitoring their eye health and reporting any changes in vision to their healthcare provider. 

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Ionizing radiation can damage the DNA of cells in the body, including those in the kidneys. The kidneys are particularly vulnerable to radiation damage because they filter the blood and therefore receive a high volume of blood flow. Over time, exposure to ionizing radiation can cause inflammation and scarring in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease. This is why healthcare providers must carefully consider the risks and benefits of procedures that involve exposure to ionizing radiation, such as CT scans and X-rays, and use them only when necessary. 

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Exposure to ionizing radiation can weaken the immune system, making an individual more susceptible to infection. Pneumonia is a common infection that can be caused by exposure to radiation, especially in individuals who have received high doses of radiation, such as those undergoing cancer treatment. Radiation can damage the respiratory tract, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to infect the lungs. Additionally, radiation can cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs, making it harder for them to function properly.

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Ionizing radiation can have negative effects on reproductive health, particularly for women. Exposure to ionizing radiation can damage the DNA within reproductive cells, which can have long-term consequences on fertility. In women, exposure to radiation can cause mutations in eggs, leading to genetic abnormalities in offspring or infertility. Additionally, radiation exposure can damage the ovaries and reduce the number of viable eggs present in the ovaries. Men are also affected by ionizing radiation, as it can damage sperm and lead to reduced fertility or genetic abnormalities in offspring. It is important for individuals who are exposed to ionizing radiation to be aware of the potential impacts on their reproductive health and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves.

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Ionizing radiation can damage or alter the genetic material of cells, leading to abnormal cell growth in the joints and inflammation, which in turn can cause arthritis. Long-term exposure to ionizing radiation has been shown to increase the risk of developing inflammatory forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

 

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