3 Things To Know About Full-Body MRI Scans + Common Myths, Busted

Elective MRIs have been picking up speed in the wellness space—and people are rightfully skeptical. From high prices to radiation concerns, there are a lot of questions that go unanswered—until our recent mindbodygreen podcast episode. 

As someone who's both claustrophobic and passionate about testing the latest health tech, I was particularly interested in exploring the potential benefits and drawbacks of these scans. Now that I'm on the other side, I realize how big of an impact even minor findings can have on your well-being. (And I was shocked to find my claustrophobia was fine with special glasses and Netflix.)

"For reasons that we're not entirely certain, the rate of cancer incidence is growing and particularly growing in younger people," Lacy says, noting that some of the quickest-growing cancers are pancreatic and colon cancer.

He's also seen an uptick in ovarian cancer and lung cancer in women who've never smoked.

"Oftentimes, these are cancers that are caught quite late and don't have a great prognosis," he says, which is where Prenuvo comes in.

This is true for brain health as well, Lacy says, noting that early biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease can be seen on MRI scans even before symptoms arise.

For all of the organs affected by these cancers, traditional health care doesn't allow for frequent preventive screenings.

One of the most common fears when it comes to MRI scans is the excess radiation, so I asked Lacy about that risk. I was pleasantly surprised by the answer. 

"Well, this is an easy one to answer because the modality that we use MRI doesn't involve ionizing radiation," he says frankly. Prenuvo doesn't inject any heavy metal contrast beforehand, either, which is common with other single-body part scans. 

The Prenuvo scans, he explains, were designed to be something you can do as often as needed without worry of radiation exposure. 

Elective MRIs are notorious for their high price tag—and there's no denying that they're more expensive than most people can afford to do regularly. However, the price has come down with time and with the innovation Prenuvo offers—and they're fighting to keep this downward price trend going. 

"Before Prenuvo existed, to do a whole body clinical diagnostic quality MRI exam would cost $50,000 to $75,000 depending on the institution you went to," he says. 

"We hope over the next five-plus years that we're able to bring this comprehensive exam down to blow $1,000 as well," Lacy explains. 

What's more, Prenuvo is actively running clinical trials in efforts to collect the type of data insurance companies and health care systems need to consider covering the cost—i.e., proving what many people already know firsthand, that this technology can be lifesaving for so many people and is well worth the cost. 

There's so much promise in preventive MRI scans and much to learn about the process and technology behind them. As someone who tested this technology firsthand, I can tell you that even minor findings can arm you with the tools and insights needed to optimize your well-being routine, making them worthwhile.