Säteenseulonta

Säteenseulonta, or radiation screening, refers to population-based screening programs that use ionizing radiation to detect diseases in people who do not yet have symptoms. The most common focus is cancer screening, where imaging methods that involve X-rays are used to identify tumours at an earlier, more treatable stage.

The most widely used modalities in säteenseulonta are mammography and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Mammography employs low-dose X-ray images of the breasts to identify suspicious calcifications or masses. LDCT uses substantially smaller doses of radiation than diagnostic CT to screen the lungs, typically for individuals at high risk such as long-term smokers or those meeting specific age criteria.

Screening programs are targeted at defined populations and operate on evidence-based intervals and age ranges. The goal is to reduce disease-specific mortality while balancing potential harms. Benefits may include earlier detection and improved outcomes, but risks include radiation exposure, false-positive results leading to unnecessary follow-up procedures, and overdiagnosis of cancers that would not have impacted health during a person’s lifetime.

Safety, quality, and ethics are central to säteenseulonta. Dose optimization, standardized imaging protocols, and accredited personnel help minimize radiation exposure. Programs monitor participation, false positives, biopsy rates, and long-term outcomes to assess cost-effectiveness and public health impact. Informed consent and equitable access are important considerations in program design and implementation.

Regulatory oversight varies by country. In Finland, radiation protection and screening activities are coordinated by public health authorities in conjunction with STUK (Säteilyturvakeskus) to ensure safety, quality, and appropriate use of radiation in screening.