MRI Scans for Healthy People: Recommended?
Aug 28, 2025
Radiologists at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center and University of Washington Medicine do not recommend full body MRI scans for healthy people. Private companies are offering the scans for asymptomatic patients who are willing pay out-of-pocket. As a result patients are being referred to Fred Hutch and to UW Medicine Radiology for further imaging and interpretation of the scans by the for-profit companies. Experts say evidence-based methods tailored to individuals' risk levels make more sense. There is no strong evidence of the value of full body MRI scans or their ability to improve cancer survival. Some of the protocols of the companies that are providing the scans don't adhere to the established standard of care. Due to these issues, Fred Hutch and UW Medicine radiologists don’t offer or recommend whole-body MRI screenings. Learn more about recommended cancer screening methods at Fred Hutch.
Radiologists at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center and University of Washington Medicine do not recommend full body MRI scans for healthy people. Private companies are offering the scans for asymptomatic patients who are willing pay out-of-pocket. As a result patients are being referred to Fred Hutch and to UW Medicine Radiology for further imaging and interpretation of the scans by the for-profit companies. Experts say evidence-based methods tailored to individuals' risk levels make more sense. There is no strong evidence of the value of full body MRI scans or their ability to improve cancer survival. Some of the protocols of the companies that are providing the scans don't adhere to the established standard of care. Due to these issues, Fred Hutch and UW Medicine radiologists don’t offer or recommend whole-body MRI screenings. Learn more about recommended cancer screening methods at Fred Hutch.