The rising trend of full-body scans among celebrities has potentially saved Dwyane Wade’s life. The 43-year-old Basketball Hall of Famer disclosed in January that he underwent surgery in 2023 to remove kidney cancer. Wade mentioned that the discovery was a result of a full-body scan following health concerns, including urinary issues, prompting a visit to a physician. Other celebrities have also credited full-body scans for detecting health issues, such as Maria Menounos’ early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and Rick Springfield’s traumatic brain injury detection. Kim Kardashian has advocated for full-body MRI scans on social media, emphasizing how they have saved lives.
However, the cost of full-body scans, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 and typically not covered by insurance, raises questions about their value. Dr. Patrick Kenney, a urologic oncologist at Yale Cancer Center, expressed concerns about the potential for unnecessary anxiety and overtreatment from scans detecting non-threatening conditions. For instance, many small kidney masses found incidentally do not require immediate treatment. Active surveillance, involving regular imaging, is often the recommended approach for such cases.
While some argue that early detection through full-body scans could potentially reduce costs associated with aggressive treatments, Kenney remains skeptical, noting the lack of data supporting these claims. Current cancer screening guidelines endorsed by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force rely on robust evidence, making the inclusion of full-body scans unlikely in future recommendations.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue whole-body scans should involve informed counseling on associated risks and the possibility of detecting conditions that may not require intervention. Empowering patients with knowledge about the risks they are willing to accept is crucial in navigating the complexities of medical imaging and treatment decisions.
Full-body scans
