“The Dr. Oz” show will revisit the topic of medical radiation — after being accused of airing “erroneous” information on a previous show.
The American Society of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging issued a joint statement last Monday slamming “Dr. Oz” for a show that aired last September — and was repeated in late December — which covered the increasing rate of thyroid cancer in women.
On the show, it was stated that the women getting mammograms should wear a (lead) “thyroid shield” to protect them from radiation — which could increase their chances of developing thyroid cancer.
“There has not been any data on this, but personally, if I was getting a mammography I would use this too,” show host Mehmet Oz said on the show. “Because the amount of radiation exposure, although it’s very small in mammography, it’s not that dissimilar from dental X-rays.
“It is life-saving,” he said of mammographies. “I want you to get the test.”
Oz’s comments regarding “radiation exposure” ruffled the feathers of the radiological community.
“Some Americans have expressed concern, due to an erroneous medical report, that the small amount of radiation a patient receives from a mammogram may significantly increase the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer,” the ACR/SBI said in their statement.
“This concern simply is not supported in scientific literature . . . Patients are urged not to put off or forego necessary breast imaging care based on this erroneous media report.”
“Dr. Oz” will tape a follow-up show on Tuesday, which will include representatives from the ACR/SBI, radiologists and other physicians. It’s scheduled to air next Thursday, April 14 (3 p.m./Ch. 5).
A spokesman for the ACR says Dr. Daniel Kopans, a member of the ACR’s Breast Imaging Commission, will appear on “Dr. Oz.”
“Our show sees itself as challenging conventional thinking,” a “Dr. Oz” spokesman said.
“If people resist or have an opinion or concern, Dr. Oz sees it as his job to continue the discussion — and that’s why we’re doing this show.”

