NEW: Radiation Exposure and Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
Everyone is exposed to ionizing radiation, an invisible form of high-energy radiation, in everyday life. There are two main sources of radiation: naturally-occurring and man-made (usually medical). Naturally-occurring radiation can come from the ground and even outer-space! Examples of man-made radiation include x-rays, CT scans, and PET scans. On average, a person is exposed to equal amounts of naturally-occurring and man-made radiation each year. Ionizing radiation can damage our DNA, but thanks to our bodies’ DNA-repair systems, typical exposure does not carry significant health risk. At high doses, the risk of unrepaired DNA damage increases, which can lead to cancer. This is more of a concern in someone with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) because changes in the TP53 gene affect how cells respond to DNA damage.
Designed by our LFSA Genetic Counseling Advisory Group with input from the LFSA Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, this info-graphic detailing levels of both daily radiation exposure and exposure from medical imaging was first introduced at the 8th International LFS Association Symposium to best address LFS patient concerns of radiation exposure. Download and share the two-page LFSA Radiation Exposure PDF. (October 2026)
