Radiation-Induced Cancer Risk in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Computed Tomography Scan at Federal University Teaching Hospital Birnin Kebbi
Abstract
The increasing utilization of Computed Tomography (CT) in pediatric diagnostics has significantly improved disease detection and management but raised concerns about radiation-induced cancer risks due to the higher radiosensitivity of developing tissues. This study assessed the radiation-induced cancer risk among pediatric patients undergoing CT scans at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi (FUTHBK). A cross-sectional quantitative design was adopted, involving pediatric patients aged 0-17 years who underwent CT examinations. Data were collected from the CT scanner console, including CT dose index volume (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP), and scanning parameters such as tube voltage (kVp), current (mAs), and slice thickness. Effective dose (E) was computed using age- and region-specific conversion coefficients, while Lifetime Attributable Risk (LAR) of cancer incidence was estimated using the BEIR VII risk model. The results revealed mean CTDIvol and DLP values of 26±17 mGy and 847±545 mGy cm for male patients, and 23±19 mGy and 852±939 mGy.cm for females, respectively. Corresponding mean effective doses were 2.63 mSv (male) and 2.91 mSv (female), with LAR values of 46.04 per 10? and 55.01 per 10?, translating to estimate lifetime cancer risks of 1 in 217 for males and 1 in 181 for females. These findings exceed international diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), indicating suboptimal radiation protection practices. The study concludes that pediatric CT procedures at FUTHBK expose children to radiation doses capable of increasing lifetime cancer risks, especially among female and younger patients. Establishing pediatric-specific CT protocols, enforcing the ALARA principle, and integrating automatic exposure control (AEC) and iterative reconstruction technologies are urgently needed. The outcomes provide a foundation for dose optimization policies and highlight the importance of routine radiation audits, professional training, and parental awareness
