US, 17 December 2009 – As an organization that supports more than 1300 oncologists who treat more than 750,000 cancer patients each year, we at US Oncology read with interest the recent discussions regarding the use of CT scans. We take cancer care and the health of cancer patients very seriously. To advance the delivery of quality care for Americans fighting cancer, US Oncology strongly supports evidence-based guidelines and treatment pathways and encourages their continued development and utilization.
After reviewing the latest research, we strongly believe that the benefits of appropriately-used CT imaging for cancer patients continue to outweigh the risks associated with exposure to low-dose radiation. Medical imaging is an integral part of the cancer diagnostic and treatment process. It is essential to accurately diagnose and stage the disease, and has a profound impact on decision-making on initial treatment, monitoring of response to treatment, adjustment of therapy, and in follow-up.
Radiation oncology today is inextricably linked to imaging with respect to treatment planning and delivery. Much of what we are able to achieve with dose-conformality, dose-escalation to disease, and normal tissue sparing is due to high quality imaging. It is essential in optimizing the quality of care a cancer patient receives.
Patient health and safety is always of the utmost importance. Appropriate utilization of any medical technology is critical to overall health care quality. However, a misplaced fear of CT scans could result in less than optimal management of certain patients. We, therefore, urge caution when evaluating the recent discussions and encourage patients to talk with their physicians about the right choices for their particular circumstances on the basis of all the available evidence.