Why you should be wary of preventive care body scans

Kim Kardashian recently endorsed Prenuvo, a company offering comprehensive whole body or near-whole body MRI scans. These scans promise a lot of health benefits, but are they worth it? Learn how these scans work and why you can avoid them.

Understanding Prenuvo’s scans

Prenuvo offers MRI body scans starting at $1,000 per scan. The scans claim to detect signs of cancer in the body. These scans employ MRI technology, which uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures.

Full body scans for preventive care are not recommended by medical professionals or regulatory organizations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found no scientific evidence that full body scans are beneficial for individuals without cancer symptoms.

These packages are typically not covered by insurance.

Are these scans safe for you?

MRIs pose risks for certain individuals and should be prescribed appropriately by your health care provider. If you meet these risks, you may need appropriate precautions or be considered ineligible.

• Claustrophobia
• Metal implants
• Noise sensitivity
• Pacemaker and other medical devices

MercyOne radiology providers screen every patient before an MRI to make sure screens are done safely.

False positives and the mental toll

One big drawback of full body scans is the potential for false positives. A scan without appropriate care might identify benign and insignificant findings. Consequently, you might be subjected to additional tests and procedures. The anxiety and financial stress caused by a false positive can take a toll on your mental and physical health.

Remember, providers piece all this information together like a puzzle. An MRI scan is only one piece.

Effective and cost-efficient preventive care

Establishing a relationship with your primary care provider is the most effective way to start your preventive care journey. They can guide you through the right screenings, lab work and tests tailored to your risk factors and medical history.

If you are worried about cancer, several types of screenings have been proven to save lives.

• Colonoscopy for colon cancer.
• Low-dose chest CT scans for lung cancer in smokers.
• Mammograms for breast cancer.