Some doctors caution against full-body MRIs as celebrity endorsements drive up demand – CBC

Doctors warn full-body MRIs lack supporting evidence, may put additional pressure on public health system

Jan 27, 2024

After a bout of prostate cancer, Don Garnier wanted to take a more proactive approach to his health. That’s why he went out of his way to pay $2,500 for a full-body MRI scan at a private Vancouver clinic called Prenuvo.

“We live in a world now where getting medical care can be a bit of a challenge. So the more you are on top of your health, the better,” he told The Current.

Garnier said the scan results took five days to come in and were unremarkable — which was good news. He said the nurse clinicians there went through the results with him in detail.

He feels it was worth the money for his peace of mind — and many people share that view.

Although full-body MRI scans — using Magnetic Resonance Imaging technology to scan your body for anything abnormal — are not new, they’ve recently soared in popularity due to celebrity endorsements from the likes of Kim Kardashian.

But as more private clinics start offering them, some doctors are telling patients to think twice before they slide into the machine.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/full-body-mri-doctors-caution-1.7095942