We now have research to show what many Prenuvo patients already know. Whole body MRIs ease anxiety rather than provoke it—putting a common misconception about proactive health screenings to rest.
“I’m curious about Prenuvo’s whole body scan. But what if I find something bad? I think I’d be too scared to go through with it – there’s no telling what they might find. Ugh. It’s probably better if I don’t know.”
If you’ve ever considered a whole body scan and found your mind going down that road, you’re not alone. For many, it sounds great in theory—but when it comes time to actually take this proactive health step, hesitation sets in. And that’s completely normal. The idea of uncovering potentially concerning health news can feel overwhelming.
We’ve heard it all—from patients who feared the worst but walked away relieved, to those whose scans detected serious conditions early enough to change—or even save—their lives. But one concern we hear often is: “Won’t this just make me more anxious?” The good news? That’s a myth. And we now have the science to back it up.
Related: When worrying about your health becomes health anxiety
What the SIGNIFY Study Tells Us About Scan Anxiety
A major study from the UK set out to answer a very common question – do whole body scans cause unnecessary emotional distress? The results might surprise you.
The research, known as the SIGNIFY study, explored the psychological impact of whole body MRI screenings on people with TP53 mutations. This genetic mutation is associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which puts carriers at extremely high risk for cancer. By age 40, they face a 50% chance of developing cancer; by age 60, the risk rises to 90%. Women are particularly affected due to the high prevalence of breast cancer linked to the syndrome.
The study followed 44 people with the TP53 mutation and 44 without it. All participants underwent whole body MRI scans and completed surveys tracking anxiety, depression, cancer-related worry, and overall quality of life over a year.
Here’s what it found:
- No increase in anxiety or depression: Despite their high cancer risk, participants with the TP53 mutation didn’t report heightened emotional distress. Clinical rates of anxiety and depression stayed low in both groups.
- Scans brought reassurance: High-risk participants reported feeling less anxious after their scans. Getting answers—and not having to live with constant “what ifs”—brought peace of mind.
- Worry didn’t spike, even with abnormal findings: Though TP53 carriers naturally had more cancer-related worry than the control group, their levels of concern didn’t increase after the scans. Having a follow-up plan, even in the face of uncertainty, made them feel empowered.
- Health-related stress went down: Participants reported that stress, intrusive thoughts, and general unease decreased after receiving their MRI results. Understanding what was going on inside their bodies helped them feel lighter and more in control.
- Participants felt satisfied: Nearly all TP53 carriers—98%—said they’d do the scan again. And 86% said they’d recommend it to a family member. These numbers speak volumes about how empowering it felt to face the unknown and gain a clearer picture of their health.
Related: Early detection screens aren't just for high-risk people
Prenuvo’s whole body MRI can help to calm your anxiety – not fuel it
We understand that getting a whole body scan can feel intimidating. But as MRI research shows, there’s often more stress in the uncertainty of not knowing than in facing what a scan may reveal.
At Prenuvo, we often see people arrive feeling nervous, only to leave feeling empowered. Showing up for a scan is a huge step toward taking control of your health—and that alone brings relief. Then, when results come in, many patients report an even greater sense of peace.
For some, it’s the reassurance that everything looks great—no more stressing over what might be going on beneath the surface. For others, the scan uncovers powerful insights that help them make smarter decisions, like adjusting their diets or optimizing their workouts. And sometimes, a whole body scan catches something serious before symptoms even begin—giving someone the chance to act early and potentially avoid life-threatening illness.
Just like in the SIGNIFY study, Prenuvo scans are non-invasive, radiation-free, and focused on early detection. In under an hour, you get a comprehensive look at your health, screening for hundreds of conditions. But it’s not just about finding something wrong. A huge part of our mission is helping people rule out the unknowns they’ve been ruminating on—whether it’s a family history of disease or an unexplained pain. That clarity is powerful.
Many people expect to feel more anxious after a scan—but leave surprised by how much lighter they feel. There’s real power in not being stuck in the dark anymore. Whether you walk away with the reassurance that your body is running smoothly or with a clear next step, you leave with knowledge. And when it comes to your mental health, that’s priceless.
If you’ve been putting off a scan because it feels scary, consider this: you’ll walk away with clarity—whether that’s peace of mind or the power to take action when it matters most.
To learn more about the benefits of a whole body MRI—and what makes Prenuvo different—book a call with a member of our care team.
