Recent research revealed that Americans are seven times more exposed to radiation than in 1980. The possible reason behind this increase is overuse of a diagnostic scans by doctors for profit.

Research conducted by National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement said that doctors are ordering too many diagnostic tests, driving up the cost of healthcare in the United States and potentially harming patients. Researchers believe that too much radiation exposure can cause cancer, especially in younger people.

Dr. James Thrall, chair of the American College of Radiology's Board of Chancellors, said: "Unfortunately, one of the things we have seen in the imaging world is that many physicians look at imaging as the solution to their financial problems."

Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the national office of the American Cancer Society: "Radiation exposure from these scans is not inconsequential and can lead to later cancers."

"This doesn't mean people shouldn't get CT scans, but it does mean we need to be very careful in how we use these technologies in the future."