CT Scan

Hi Linda24

Thanks for getting in touch through our online community. I’m Helen and I’m one of the Macmillan cancer information nurse specialists on our support line

You’ve done the right thing contacting us for reassurance. Having a scan that might show cancer can make people feel very anxious.

A CT scan uses x-rays and a computer to make detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It takes pictures from different angles and puts them together to make a 3-dimensional (3D) image.  

The scan can be used to look for many types of cancer in the organs and other areas of the body. The images taken during the scan are examined by a specialist called a radiologist, who looks at the scans to see if there are any signs of cancer.

No scan or test is 100% accurate all the time, however, if your scan has been said to be clear, it is very unlikely you would have cancer.

Most people worry about their health at some time, and lots of people worry they may have cancer. You can find out more information and support about worrying about your health form the NHS and Anxiety UK websites.

I hope you found this information helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact with us if you need further information or support. 

Best wishes

Helen K

The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm or contact us by email or webchat. 

Ref: HK / HeP