Decoding Scanxiety: How New-Age MRIs Are Transforming Cancer Detection and Awareness
This blog is in collaboration with our partners at Prenuvo.
May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month. It raises awareness and understanding about brain cancer and its effect on individuals. Researchers have identified over 150 different brain tumors, affecting individuals from as young as 5 years old. Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that starts in the brain and quickly grows, invading and destroying healthy tissue. It can affect people at any age but tends to occur more often in male adults.
MRIs are considered the best imaging tests to look for tumors in the brain and are often used to diagnose Glioblastoma. Currently, there are no recommended tests to screen for brain tumors. Rather, brain tumors are often found when you go to the doctor because of experiencing signs or symptoms.
However, there is an organization that is changing the way we see health care and how diseases are being diagnosed. This organization is called Prenuvo. They specialize in full-body MRIs aimed at early detection of cancer and other diseases. Instead of seeking medical attention only when you feel ill, Prenuvo is empowering people to take a proactive approach to their health and get regular check-ups. By getting Prenuvo’s full-body MRI scan, you can get a comprehensive baseline of what’s going on inside your body, so that if there are any early signs of illness, it’s caught early before they become crises.
The Glioblastoma Research Organization is delighted to collaborate with Prenuvo for Brain Cancer Awareness month and beyond, and are pleased to offer our community $200 off Prenuvo's Head & Torso Scan to encourage proactive health management through their innovative services. This offer is available year-round, and you can claim your special discount here.
What is Glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma is the most common type of malignant brain tumor, making up almost half of all cancerous brain tumors in adults. This brain cancer often affects people aged 45 to 70, with men having a slightly higher risk. The cause of Glioblastoma is still unknown, however there are several factors that can increase your risk such as genetics, exposure to chemicals such as pesticides and previous radiation therapy to the head. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Glioblastoma. Rather, the treatment is focused on removing or shrinking the tumor to reduce symptoms.
How is Glioblastoma diagnosed?
An MRI is often used to diagnose Glioblastoma. MRIs are imaging tests that use magnetic fields, rather than X-rays, to produce detailed images of the body. As it does not use ionizing radiation, it is a safe procedure compared to other imaging tests such as CT and X-rays that involve radiation. MRIs are the preferred imaging test to diagnose a brain tumor as it produces more detailed images than CT. It helps find the location and size of the Glioblastoma, as well as surrounding structures for any impact caused by the tumor.
Detecting Glioblastoma with a Prenuvo scan
Prenuvo’s full-body MRI scans can detect many stage 1 tumors and over 500 medical conditions, including Glioblastoma. What sets them apart from other MRI scans is their use of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). DWI is a functional imaging method that can detect abnormal tissue density without contrast agents. It improves whole-body scanning by producing diagnostic-quality images, which enhances the rate and accuracy of tumor detection.
If you have a family history of Glioblastoma, you are at a higher risk of developing it in the long run so it’s important to get a screening. While there are no standard diagnostic or therapeutic strategies for early-stage Glioblastoma, a Prenvuo scan can be used as a screening tool, in addition to getting an overview of what is going on inside your whole body.
Axial T1 image of a high-grade (WHO grade IV) primary glial tumor. (Credit: Radiopaedia.org)
Getting an MRI when you have scanxiety
When you get diagnosed with Glioblastoma, you will most likely have to undergo many scans and medical procedures. For some people, the process from before the scan even begins to after the scan is done can be stressful and worrying. These feelings are known as “scanxiety”.
Scanxiety may look different for different people. Some experience trouble sleeping or eating, changes in their mood, increased heart rate, irritability, or nausea. These common symptoms often arise because of negative past experiences with scans, which heighten the feelings of fear towards medical procedures in general.
For MRIs, people often worry about feeling claustrophobic in the machine. Lying down on a table that slides into a large cylindrical-shaped tube surrounded by a circular magnet, combined with loud and strange noises can seem nerve-wracking. Luckily, modern MRI machines have been designed to accommodate these growing concerns, so that people are able to comfortably get the scan.
How does Prenuvo ease MRI anxiety?
Sometimes an MRI is unavoidable in getting the answers that you need about your health. Luckily, many MRI machines today have allowed those with claustrophobia to comfortably get scanned. Here are some things Prenuvo does to help ease MRI anxiety.
Wide, open-bore MRI
The bore of an MRI machine is the center or the opening of the machine. This is where the magnet is located and can vary from 60cm to 70cm. Traditionally, MRI machines were designed with a smaller bore which caused issues for patients who were claustrophobic. However, advancements in technology have allowed more MRI machines to have a wider bore of up to 70 cm to provide a more comfortable experience for patients.
Prenuvo’s MRI machines have a wide, open bore which allows the head to be outside of the magnet for portions of the scan, greatly easing the claustrophobic feeling. Instead of being an enclosed capsule like many traditional closed-bore MRIs, open-bore MRIs are not fully enclosed and help reduce the risk of panic attacks and claustrophobia. Ultimately, it allows for a more accurate MRI scan.
In-Scan Entertainment
MRIs can get fairly loud and the noise can be jarring. So having some sort of distraction during the procedure can greatly help relieve the anxiety and fear. When you get a Prenuvo scan, you have the option to listen to your favorite music and even catch an episode of your favorite TV show! This helps make the MRI experience much more comfortable for people getting the scan.
Friendly and experienced MRI Technologists
It can be daunting lying on a table inside a magnetic tube, all by yourself. Whilst it feels like you’re alone, you’re actually not. When you’re getting a Prenuvo scan, their team of highly trained (and super friendly) MRI technologists are right behind the glass in the adjacent room, watching and guiding you through the whole process. So if at any point you feel uncomfortable, want reassurance, or simply want to have a chat, Prenuvo’s MRI technologists are there to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a doctor’s referral? Yes, you must have a referral to get a Prenuvo scan. If you require one, Prenuvo’s team can arrange a referral from an independent medical practitioner at no cost to you.
Do you use contrast/dyes in the Prenuvo scans? No, contrast/dyes are not used in Prenuvo scans. The combination of sequences that Prenuvo takes performs as well as contrast-enhanced MRI for tumor detection.
How long does the scan take? Prenuvo scans range between 20-60 minutes depending on the scan type.
Where are Prenuvo clinics located? There are currently 7 locations across North America: New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Boca Raton, Minneapolis and Vancouver (Canada).
How do I claim Prenuvo’s special offer?
Our community can take advantage of $200 off their first Prenuvo's Head & Torso Scan by clicking here. For more information about Prenuvo’s lineup of comprehensive scans, visit prenuvo.com.
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Please note that the information provided on The Glioblastoma Research Organization’s website and digital channels is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified healthcare provider.
