'No radiation for no reason! X-ray images aren't holiday photos'

The use of medical imaging with ionising radiation (conventional radiography, CT scans, nuclear medicine) is becoming increasingly widespread in European countries, particularly Luxembourg.

Findings

Epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to ionising radiation increases the risk of cancer.

The role played by medical imaging examinations in this increase is certainly limited, but caution is required nevertheless.

It is important to always consider the anticipated benefits and potential harm of these examinations, and repeating them unnecessarily must be avoided. Audits conducted in Nordic countries have revealed that a significant proportion (20-40 %) of these examinations are not required.

Objectives: audience

To raise awareness of this issue, the Ministry of Health is launching an awareness campaign to remind patients and professionals of the risks associated with unnecessary exposure to ionising radiation.

The 'No radiation for no reason! X-ray images aren't holiday photos' campaign is aimed at the general public, as well as doctors and specialists.

It aims to:

• reduce exposure to radiation;
• encourage the proper use of medical imaging.

This campaign was made available to us by the Belgian Federal Public Service - Public Health and has been adapted for the context in Luxembourg. The campaign will now run annually for a period of 5 years in collaboration with this Belgian authority, to ensure we make a significant impact and achieve our objective of reducing unnecessary radiology procedures.

Information materials

The campaign comprises:

• 3 radio adverts in Luxembourgish and French;
• information leaflets and posters in German and French;
• the 'www.pasderayonssansraisons.lu' website available in German and French.

This website provides more information and also features our leaflets, posters and radio adverts. It discusses the importance of medical imaging in patient care, as well as the risks of using it unnecessarily. It provides practical advice for patients, parents, prescribing doctors, radiologists and nuclear medicine specialists.

Guide to the Proper Use of Medical Imaging Examinations

The website also gives criteria that prescribing doctors can use to decide on the most suitable type of examination for certain health issues or specific symptoms. The Scientific Council of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has adopted the updated 2013 version of the Guide to the Proper Use of Medical Imaging Examinations, which is available on http://gbu.radiologie.fr/.