Not all forms of radiation are harmless; however, several types of exposure to certain kinds of radiation have been firmly linked to the development of cancer. It has raised concerns about workplace safety, medical treatments, and environmental exposures. But how does radiation exposure lead to cancer?
Let’s take a deep dive into the science of radiation, what it does to our cells, and how it leads to cancer.
How Radiation Damages Cells
The effects of radiation on cancer development are related to DNA damage in our cells. DNA damage from ionizing radiation occurs when enough energy is deposited in the DNA molecule to break some chemical bonds. The result can be:
- DNA Breaks: Double-strand breaks are much more dangerous because the body cannot as precisely repair them.
- Mutations: Improper repairs may result in mutations, disrupting the cell’s normal function or allowing the cell to grow unchecked.
Dose and Duration: Key Factors in Cancer Risk
The risk of cancer from radiation exposure depends on the dose received, duration, and kind of exposure:
- Low-Dose Exposure: As with background radiation or diagnostic imaging, small doses over time have relatively small risks. However, the cancer risk will accumulate if these exposures occur over a lifetime.
- High Dose: In very high doses from a nuclear accident or possibly in unusual forms of cancer treatment, the risk does increase substantially.
- Duration of exposure: Chronic or long-term exposure to low radiation levels may also create future risks, as with occupational exposure.
Biologically Influencing Risk Factors
There is individual variation in susceptibility to radiation-induced cancer. Factors include:
- Age: Children and young adults are more susceptible because their cells proliferate faster.
- Genetics: Some people have genetic mutations that make them poorly equipped to repair DNA damage.
- Tissue Type: The radiosensitivity of various tissues is different; thyroid and bone marrow are more sensitive to radiation.
Timeline of Cancer Development
Radiation-induced cancer usually does not manifest immediately. In most instances, a latency period exists between the time of exposure and the diagnosis of cancer, often ranging from several years to decades. For example:
- Leukemia: The cancers generally appear after 5 or 10 years from strong radiation.
- Solid tumors, like those of the breast, lung, or thyroid, may take 10-40 years to appear.
Minimizing the Risk
While we can’t eliminate all radiation exposure, we can take steps to minimize risk:
- Limit Unnecessary Medical Imaging: Talk to UEW Healthcare about whether you need an X-ray or CT scan.
- Avoiding radiation encompasses using protection against skin damage by the sun and protective measures when dealing with radiation.
- Test for Radon: You should have your home checked for radon if you live in an area with high radon levels.
Radiation exposure and cancer as a concept have interacted with biological and environmental factors. Ionizing radiation alters the DNA and may then lead to changes that can cause cancer deposits at some time in the future. Therefore, we must educate ourselves on the different risks out there and how we can avoid getting Sick. Whether limiting unnecessary exposures or adding safety to a scenario, awareness, and action most definitely change this tale. Knowledge, indeed, is our first line of defense against this radiation-induced cancer.