Limited Medical Radiologic Technologists (LMRT) Board Practice Exam

The classification that includes radiation-induced cancer is stochastic effects. This classification refers to the types of health effects that occur on a probabilistic basis, meaning that the effects can occur by chance, regardless of the radiation dose received. In the case of stochastic effects, the severity of the effect does not depend on the dose; rather, the probability of occurrence increases with the amount of radiation exposure.

Radiation-induced cancer is considered a stochastic effect because it may develop many years after exposure and the risk increases with higher doses of radiation, but no definitive dose threshold exists below which the risk is zero. This is fundamental in radiological protection, as it highlights the importance of minimizing exposure to radiation even at low levels, as there is always some risk of adverse effects.

In contrast, tissue reactions are categorized under deterministic effects, where the severity of the reaction typically depends on the dose and there is usually a threshold level of exposure below which the effect does not occur. Hormetic effects, on the other hand, imply a beneficial effect at low doses of radiation, which is not related to cancer risk. Understanding the distinction between these categories is crucial for professionals in the field of radiologic technology and radiation safety.