International Day of Radiology to Recognize Radiologists and Medical Imaging Innovations

Commemorating the 117th anniversary of the discovery of the X-ray and the innovative developments in healthcare made possible by medical imaging technology, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and radiation therapy, November 8, 2012, has been chosen as the International Day of Radiology by North American radiology societies.

The American College of Radiology (ACR; Reston, VA, USA) and Radiological Society of North America (RSNA; Oak Brook, IL, USA;) are the North American organizers of the first annual International Day of Radiology. More than 100 years of radiologic innovations has generated great technologic leaps, saved innumerable lives, enabled more effective and efficient healthcare, and transformed modern medicine.

The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) named imaging technology among the top 10 medical advances of the last 1,000 years. Imaging scans have nearly eliminated exploratory surgeries, slashed unnecessary hospital admissions, and frequently lessen hospital stays. Access to medical imaging is directly tied to greater life expectancy, according to the US National Bureau of Economic Research.

Practicing physicians surveyed in a Health Affairs study ranked CT and MRI as the top recent medical innovations. “Deaths from cancer and other serious illnesses and injuries have plummeted in recent years largely due to early diagnosis made possible by imaging exams. Millions of people worldwide are alive, and many more are enjoying a greater quality of life today, because of advances in radiation therapy to treat many of the world’s deadliest cancers. International Day of Radiology recognizes one of the most successful technological and professional advancements in the history of modern health care,” said Paul H. Ellenbogen, MD, FACR, chair of the American College of Radiology board of chancellors.

Recent advances in medical imaging technology, including the advent of virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography), provide individuals with less invasive alternatives to cancer screening, including for colorectal cancer, one of the leading cancer killers. The breast cancer death rate in the United States has dropped more than 30% since mammography use became widespread in 1990. Ongoing radiologic research is working toward similar achievements and technologic advances.

“Medical imaging saves lives, resources, and time. Imaging exams generally cost less than the invasive surgeries that they replace and can be used to diagnose illnesses early--when they can be treated most effectively and inexpensively. In fact, the beneficial impact of medical imaging exams on extending patients’ life expectancy is actually greater than the negative impact of obesity or diabetes. November 8 is International Day of Radiology, but radiology and radiologists make a world of difference every day,” said George S. Bisset III, MD, president of the Radiological Society of North America.

Radiologists are working together to update patients about the critical role medical imaging plays in patient care. ACR and RSNA jointly sponsor RadiologyInfo.org, an important resource that clarifies medical imaging modalities and treatments in precise, easy-to-understand language, helping patients to better understand and plan for imaging procedures.

The European Society of Radiology (ESR; Vienna, Austria), which, in February 2011, sponsored the first European Day of Radiology, joins RSNA and ACR as an International Day of Radiology cosponsor. More than 66 medical societies in 38 countries worldwide also are taking part in celebration of radiology.

Related Links:
American College of Radiology
Radiological Society of North America
European Society of Radiology