X-ray is a fairly common and familiar term in medicine. So what is an X-ray and what is it used for? Below are 22 answers to questions about X-ray radiation, as well as their benefits and risks.

Radiation sickness, also known as acute radiation syndrome or radiation poisoning, is damage to the body caused by receiving a large amount of radioactive material in a short period of time (acute). The amount of radiation absorbed by the body will determine the level of damage to the body.

computed tomography (CT) scan is a procedure used by doctors to look for abnormalities inside the body, plan surgery, or check whether a treatment is working for a patient. This procedure uses X-rays - radiation - to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Some people believe that CT scans can lead to cancer because of the amount of radiation from the scanner.

Ionizing radiation originates from external sources such as gamma rays, X-rays or from radioactive isotopes introduced into the body for the purpose of treating diseases. Radiation exposure occurs when the concentration of ionizing radiation entering the body exceeds the safe level, causing serious health effects and leading to other dangerous diseases.

Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. Radiation can damage the ovaries and affect a patient's ability to get pregnant and give birth.

Carcinogenic agents are classified into three main groups: chemicals, radiation, and viruses. They can act separately or synergistically. In this article, we'll cover chemicals and radiation that lead to cancer.

Cancer prevention is action taken to help reduce the risk of disease. This may include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding exposure to carcinogens, and taking medications or vaccines to prevent cancer from developing.