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CT (Computed Tomography) scans do expose the body to ionizing radiation, which can potentially damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. However, several factors mitigate this risk:

1. Low Dose of Radiation
   - Radiation Amount: The dose of radiation from a single CT scan is relatively low. While it is higher than that from a standard X-ray, it is still within a range that the body can typically manage without significant damage. Medical professionals carefully calculate the lowest possible dose that still provides a clear image.

2. Body's Repair Mechanisms
   - DNA Repair: The human body has robust mechanisms to repair DNA damage. When radiation causes minor DNA damage, cells can often repair themselves. Only if the damage is extensive and the repair is faulty might this lead to mutations that could eventually cause cancer.

3. Risk-Benefit Analysis
   - Medical Necessity: The decision to perform a CT scan is based on a careful risk-benefit analysis. The information gained from the scan is often critical for diagnosing or managing a medical condition, which outweighs the small potential risk of radiation-induced cancer.

4. Advancements in Technology
   - Modern Equipment: Advances in CT technology have led to significant reductions in the amount of radiation used. Modern CT scanners are designed to deliver the minimum effective dose and often employ techniques like dose modulation to adjust the radiation based on the patient's size and the area being scanned.

5. Cumulative Exposure Awareness
   - Medical Records: Healthcare providers keep track of a patient's cumulative radiation exposure over time. If a patient requires multiple imaging studies, doctors weigh the cumulative risk and consider alternative imaging methods (like MRI or ultrasound) that do not use ionizing radiation.

6. Statistical Risk
   - Very Low Incidence: The statistical risk of developing cancer from a single CT scan is very low, especially compared to everyday risks of cancer from other environmental factors. The absolute increase in cancer risk from a single scan is small, particularly when considering that many cancers are caused by multiple factors over time.

In summary, while there is a small risk associated with the radiation from CT scans, the dose is carefully controlled, and the benefits of accurate diagnosis and treatment planning usually far outweigh the potential risks.