SCOTT HENSLEY: Simon Choi, a radiation and health expert at the Food and Drug Administration, explains the concern.</s>D: Some publications have said even approximately 20,000 future cancers could be related to CT scans performed in the U.S.</s>SCOTT HENSLEY: To reduce those risks, the agency is urging doctors to make sure each CT scan they order is really needed. The agency wants patients to talk to their doctors about alternatives.</s>D: Patients could ask: What is the justification for this procedure? Are there other options for me?</s>SCOTT HENSLEY: Dave Fisher heads a trade group for scanner makers.</s>SCOTT HENSLEY: : The last thing we want, as manufacturers, is individuals receiving scans they don't need.</s>SCOTT HENSLEY: Scott Hensley, NPR News, Washington.</s>SCOTT HENSLEY: : To see how much radiation you might be exposed to, check out our website at npr.org.
In February, the makers of CT scanners pledged to do a better job of protecting patients from radiation risks. And a trade group for the companies said safeguards would be added to the scanners that warn technicians when the machines are about to exceed recommended radiation doses. The makers of the machines are now supporting a message of moderation.