Standards of Service

We are very aware of the apparent paradox in the fact that 10 mSv of radiation from a PET/CT scan used to screen for cancer actually carries its own very small cancer risk (around 1 in 2,000).

Although this figure is minute compared to the overall lifetime risk of developing cancer, it does create a burden of responsibility on the physician – the risk from not screening should always out-weigh the risk created by the screening technique.

Doctors at WIMC ensure that only patients with appropriate indications undergo scanning in order to minimise the risks involved. These indications include: current or former cigarette smoker, family history of heart disease, diabetes, family history of cancer, occupational exposure to hazardous materials, elevated and unexplained tumour markers, elevated and unexplained liver function test (LFT), unexplained loss of appetite or weight, unexplained symptoms like chronic cough or bleeding, and previous history of heart disease or cancer.

We believe that proper procedures should be undertaken in conducting health screening.

A scan should only be undertaken as part of a comprehensive evaluation; including a physical examination, medical history and other tests.

A patient should not undergo such a test without a written request from an independent medical practitioner.

Whole body scanning is not recommended for healthy people under 50 years of age as they are more at risk of developing cancers as a result of this procedure. The patient should understand the risks involved and the scale of the radiation dose he will receive.

These should be clearly explained by a medical practitioner. The patient will be asked to give written consent prior to undergoing the whole body CT scanning procedure.