By now, you’ve probably seen the ads or read influencers touting the benefits of a whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) for early cancer detection, for the low, low price of only $1,000 to $3,000.  Worth it? The short answer is no. Let me explain.

  1. WB-MRI is inadequate for detecting colon cancer (the third most common cause of cancer in men, the fourth in women) and breast cancer (the most common cause of cancer in women; one in every eight women in this country will get breast cancer).
  2. In one study, 98.9% had at least ONE finding on the WB-MRI scan, but only 1.6% were cancer. In another study that focused on more than THREE findings (a more significant situation) requiring evaluation, only 0.9% had a confirmed malignancy.
  3. Each false positive results in further imaging, biopsies, more doctor visits and procedures, all of which are expensive, time-consuming, and potentially fraught with morbidities, including hospitalization and death from the unnecessary procedure.
  4. There is no evidence that performing WB-MRI in people without symptoms improves mortality or long-term health outcomes. In addition, we have no data showing that a negative scan results in an improved outcome (no cancer) at 5 years after the scan. There is a benefit to repeating the scan yearly to determine whether there has been any change from the initial scan. However, that’s another $1,000 to $3,000 spent. Put that in your yearly budget.
  5. A positive scan can create significant anxiety. The patient is then faced with a difficult choice: wait six months for a repeat scan while living with the uncertainty that the finding could represent cancer, or proceed with a biopsy, an invasive procedure that carries its own risks and potential complications.

In simple language, looking for a needle in a haystack is fruitless when there’s no needle in the haystack.  Worse than that, you can destroy the haystack.

Dr. Charlie Barnett is a contributor to KnoxTNToday, where he writes the weekly column DocTalk, sharing his expertise in health and wellness.

Enjoyed this article? Read more DocTalk columns by Dr. Charlie Barnett.

Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our free newsletter. Comments may be sent to news@knoxtntoday.com.