Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist trained at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, and currently practicing at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, recently emphasized the need for caution when it comes to routine chest X-rays. Sharing his professional opinion on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Kumar stated that most individuals do not require annual chest X-rays unless there is a strong medical reason.
He explained that these scans are commonly included in annual “master health checkups” or pre-employment medical screenings, yet for healthy individuals with no symptoms, they rarely offer any significant benefit. According to Dr. Kumar, a yearly chest X-ray in such cases seldom identifies any major illness early, but it does expose the person to unnecessary radiation and may lead to additional, often avoidable, tests.
Dr. Kumar advised that chest X-rays should only be considered when there are valid medical indicators—such as persistent cough, unexplained fever, significant weight loss, a history of smoking, a risk of tuberculosis, or occupational exposure to harmful substances. He further asserted that the practice of conducting these X-rays as a routine part of health checkups or job screenings lacks evidence-based justification.
The doctor urged people to embrace what he called “smart health,” meaning a mindful and informed approach to diagnostic testing—choosing tests wisely rather than opting for more tests without a clear clinical need.
Supporting Dr. Kumar’s viewpoint, a Harvard Health article elaborates on the potential risks of radiation exposure from imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and nuclear imaging. It explains that these procedures emit ionizing radiation—powerful energy waves or particles capable of penetrating tissues to display internal organs. While this technology is useful for diagnosis, ionizing radiation can also harm DNA. Although the body’s cells attempt to repair such damage, they sometimes do so imperfectly, resulting in “misrepair.” Over time, these minor DNA mutations may accumulate and increase the likelihood of developing cancer.
In essence, experts like Dr. Sudhir Kumar and researchers at Harvard Health both advocate for prudent medical practices—prioritizing necessity over routine—to safeguard long-term well-being and minimize avoidable health risks.
He explained that these scans are commonly included in annual “master health checkups” or pre-employment medical screenings, yet for healthy individuals with no symptoms, they rarely offer any significant benefit. According to Dr. Kumar, a yearly chest X-ray in such cases seldom identifies any major illness early, but it does expose the person to unnecessary radiation and may lead to additional, often avoidable, tests.
Dr. Kumar advised that chest X-rays should only be considered when there are valid medical indicators—such as persistent cough, unexplained fever, significant weight loss, a history of smoking, a risk of tuberculosis, or occupational exposure to harmful substances. He further asserted that the practice of conducting these X-rays as a routine part of health checkups or job screenings lacks evidence-based justification.
❓Do You Really Need That Annual Chest X-ray?
— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) November 7, 2025
▶️Chest X-rays are routinely done as part of annual master health checkups and as part of pre-employment screening, but the fact is most people don’t need them.
✅If you are healthy and have no symptoms, an annual chest X-ray rarely… pic.twitter.com/co9A0BcJV2
The doctor urged people to embrace what he called “smart health,” meaning a mindful and informed approach to diagnostic testing—choosing tests wisely rather than opting for more tests without a clear clinical need.
Supporting Dr. Kumar’s viewpoint, a Harvard Health article elaborates on the potential risks of radiation exposure from imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and nuclear imaging. It explains that these procedures emit ionizing radiation—powerful energy waves or particles capable of penetrating tissues to display internal organs. While this technology is useful for diagnosis, ionizing radiation can also harm DNA. Although the body’s cells attempt to repair such damage, they sometimes do so imperfectly, resulting in “misrepair.” Over time, these minor DNA mutations may accumulate and increase the likelihood of developing cancer.
In essence, experts like Dr. Sudhir Kumar and researchers at Harvard Health both advocate for prudent medical practices—prioritizing necessity over routine—to safeguard long-term well-being and minimize avoidable health risks.
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