6 Medical use of radiation

Strategic objective

Medical use of radiation, whether for diagnostic purposes or in radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer, is developing rapidly. Norway will use new technology and equipment as it becomes available, based on an assessment of the justification for the method, where the benefits must outweigh the risks and costs of implementation. Through the use of such technology, Norway will strive to improve health and quality of life for all patients undergoing medical treatment, with a focus on the quality and safety of radiation use.

Existing or new methods for medical diagnostics and treatment must take into account radiation protection for patients and personnel, and be supported by educational programmes for healthcare professionals, including requirements regarding formal qualifications for and formal recognition of medical physicists, as well as information on radiation risks for patients and their relatives.

MMedical diagnostics using X-rays is one of the largest sources of radiation exposure in Norway when averaged across the Norwegian population.Diagnostic procedures using radiation are necessary to make a diagnosis, while exposure must be kept as low as reasonably possible (optimisation). Only necessary examinations should be carried out and the establishment of national referral criteria will help reduce unnecessary medical imaging.

Guidelines for the discharge of patients who have undergone nuclear medicine therapy with radioactive drugs, including relevant information, are important for reducing radiation risk while also ensuring patient care.