Doctors warn whole-body MRI scans may do more harm than good for healthy people

Whole-body MRI scans are becoming increasingly popular among healthy people seeking reassurance about their health, with many hoping the technology can detect diseases before symptoms appear. While early detection can save lives in certain situations, medical experts caution that whole-body MRI screening is not recommended for most healthy people who have no symptoms or specific risk factors. An editorial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), which examined evidence from an ovarian cancer screening study, found that widespread screening did not reduce deaths but resulted in many unnecessary surgeries. The findings reinforce concerns that elective whole-body MRI scans may cause more harm than good. Experts warn that the scans often detect harmless abnormalities, leading to unnecessary medical procedures, higher healthcare costs and significant emotional distress. The World Health Organisation (WHO) maintains that population screening should only be introduced when there is strong scientific evidence showing that the benefits outweigh the risks. According to the WHO, an effective screening programme should accurately detect disease at an early stage, improve health outcomes and minimise unnecessary harm caused by overdiagnosis or overtreatment. The organisation recommends evidence-based screening programmes, including those for cervical, breast and colorectal cancers in appropriate populations, rather than broad screening of healthy individuals without clear medical indications. One of the biggest concerns surrounding whole-body MRI scans is the high rate of false-positive results. These occur when a scan identifies an abnormality that appears suspicious but is later confirmed to be harmless. Such findings often lead to additional imaging, biopsies or even surgery, exposing patients to procedures they may never have needed. Medical specialists explain that the body naturally develops harmless changes with age. Because whole-body MRI scans are highly sensitive, they frequently detect these incidental findings. However, the technology cannot always distinguish between harmless abnormalities and serious disease without further investigation. "Finding an abnormality does not always mean a person has a dangerous disease. Many findings turn out to be harmless, yet they often lead to more tests, anxiety, and unnecessary treatment." Other research supports these concerns. A systematic review published in JAMA Network Open found that incidental findings are common during whole-body MRI screening, with a significant proportion of healthy adults requiring additional investigations. Although a small number of clinically important conditions were identified, researchers concluded that the potential psychological, physical and financial harms of false-positive findings should be carefully weighed before routine screening is offered. Research published in The BMJ has also highlighted the risk of overdiagnosis—the detection of diseases that would never have caused symptoms or shortened a person's life. Overdiagnosis can expose patients to unnecessary treatments, including surgery, radiation or medication, without improving survival. Unlike screening programmes for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers, which are supported by decades of evidence demonstrating they reduce deaths, there is currently no strong evidence that routine whole-body MRI scans improve survival among healthy people. Medical organisations in several countries, including the American College of Radiology, advise against routine whole-body MRI screening for people without symptoms because its benefits have not been proven. Research has also shown that not every cancer benefits from early detection. Some slow-growing cancers, including certain prostate and thyroid cancers, may never cause illness during a person's lifetime. Detecting these cancers can lead to unnecessary treatment, lifelong monitoring and significant anxiety. "The best screening test is one that has been proven to save lives. More testing is not always better, and every screening decision should be based on a person's age, family history, symptoms and overall risk." Health experts stress that screening should always be tailored to an individual's level of risk. People with a strong family history of cancer, inherited genetic conditions or other significant risk factors may benefit from targeted screening recommended by their healthcare providers rather than elective whole-body MRI scans. The growing interest in whole-body MRI scans has been driven largely by social media influencers and celebrities who promote the technology as a way to gain peace of mind. Many private clinics market the scans as capable of detecting hundreds of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, liver disease and neurological disorders before symptoms develop. However, experts warn that peace of mind is not always the outcome. Unexpected findings can leave people anxious for weeks.