Understand the Risks and Limitations
Finding “incidentalomas”
One of the biggest risks and criticisms of screening scans like this are finding “incidentalomas”. These are findings that are likely harmless but may require further testing.
One example is that a small percent CTs of the abdomen will show some abnormality of the adrenal gland. The radiologist will often note that this is likely harmless, but based on features of the abnormality (size, density) some people may have to follow-up with an endocrinologist or further testing.
Testing leading to more testing
Some results lead to more testing, such as repeat imaging in a year to document that the area of concern is not changing. Some will require a more invasive test such as biopsy. The criticism of scanning people without symptoms is that a percent of people will need more testing for harmless growths in their body that they would otherwise never need to know about.
Anxiety about results
While most people will feel better and feel reassured by their results, knowing that you have an abnormality, even if harmless, can cause some people to feel more worried. For example, brain MRIs often find tiny aneurysms that do not need any further testing. But the next time you get a bad headache, you may worry about this aneurysm rather than just treating the headache like you usually would.
Limitations of the testing
Some cancers cannot be detected by imaging studies.
Some cancers are really only seen on specialized screening tests, such as cervical cancers (pap smears and colposcopy) or colon cancers (colonscopy or Cologuard) or breast cancers ( mammograms, ultrasound or MRI).
Some cancers cannot be seen at all on imaging studies, such as leukemias, or cancers of the skin or eyes.
Some cancers may occur outside the imaged area such as a sarcoma of the thigh or a throat cancer.
Finally, some cancers may be just too early or small to be seen on imaging. For example, cancers of the lining of gastrointestinal tract such as the esophagus or bile duct that are just hard to see on any imaging until they grow large enough to cause symptoms.
The Importance of Insurance
Take charge of your health. Ease your mind with a body scan looking for any abnormalities in the brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis areas. For certain cancers, early detection may give a greater chance of survival.
Empowering Your Health Decisions
Healthy life style choices can help lower your chances of certain diseases. Certain diet modifications and exercise help decrease your risk of developing cancer.
