Learn about cervical cancer prevention. See how full body MRI screenings can help find diseases early.
Embracing Proactive Health: A Holistic Approach to Early Disease Detection
Taking charge of your health is very important today. Things like cervical cancer screening offer great hope. But a full health approach means understanding your whole body.
At Bionicc Body Screening in Southfield, Michigan, we support finding diseases early.
We use advanced health tests. These include modern full body MRI screenings. This gives you the information to manage your health journey well.
The Broader Picture: Why Early Detection Matters for Overall Health
Finding diseases early is a key part of preventing health problems. It allows for quick treatment and much better results for many conditions. Cervical cancer screening helps find issues before they become life-threatening. In the same way, full health scans give a wider view of your body’s current state.
This complete health approach lowers risks. It also helps you stay healthy for a long time.
Cervical Cancer: A Preventable Health Concern & Screening Innovations
Cervical cancer can largely be prevented. However, rates are unfortunately increasing in some groups of women in the United States.
The U.S. has one of the lowest rates globally, with 7.6 new cases per 100,000 people. Still, concerning trends continue.
From 2012 to 2019, cervical cancer rates in women aged 30 to 44 went up by 1.7% each year. This increase is especially worrying for a cancer that is so preventable.
The good news is that the HPV vaccine is helping. It shows positive signs, with an 11% yearly drop in rates for women aged 20 to 24. However, many women still do not get screened as recommended.
Only 74% of U.S. women follow the guidelines. This means one-quarter of women are overdue for screening. After the pandemic, cervical cancer screening rates are still 14% lower than in 2019. Other screenings have gone back up.
Sadly, older women over 65 also have higher rates and deaths. This is an age when average-risk patients usually stop screening.
Two Pillars of Cervical Cancer Prevention: Vaccination and Evolving Screening
Fighting cervical cancer uses two main plans:
- Primary Prevention: The HPV Vaccine. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a strong tool. It can prevent 90% of cervical cancers if given at the suggested ages. It also protects against six other cancers caused by HPV. Despite how well it works, only 61% of teenagers in the U.S. were fully vaccinated against HPV in 2023. More HPV vaccinations are vital for long-term prevention.
- Secondary Prevention: Evolving Screening Guidelines. Cervical cancer screening rules are always changing. They aim to find a balance between benefits and harms. Traditional screening included a speculum exam and Pap test. Now, primary HPV screening is the preferred method after age 25. This test looks for the HPV virus itself. This virus causes most cervical cancers.
The Promise of Self-Collection for HPV Testing
A big step forward in screening is HPV self-collection testing. This lets patients collect a vaginal sample themselves. Often, they can do this without a pelvic exam. Studies worldwide show that self-collected samples work as well as samples collected by a doctor.
They are also more sensitive than the Pap test.
In 2024, the FDA approved two self-collection kits for use in a healthcare setting. Recently, a new at-home dry swab self-collection device was approved by the FDA. This will need a doctor’s order and online medical support.
This is like the successful at-home colon cancer screening tests.
These self-collection options have great potential to:
- Expand access: This helps people who might miss screening. This could be due to personal or travel reasons. It also helps those who find traditional pelvic exams uncomfortable.
- Boost screening rates: Other countries with organized screening programs have seen a 2.5 times increase in people getting screened when mailed self-collection kits were used.
Right now, primary HPV screening in the U.S. is used in less than 5% of screenings.
This includes self-collection. To make this work well, a structured plan is needed. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is leading a study called SHIP. (SHIP stands for Self-collection for HPV testing to Improve Cervical Cancer Prevention).
This is a large study in 25 places across the country. This study will give important information for future FDA approvals and medical practices. The main goal is to reach the 25% of U.S. women who are not screened enough or never screened.
Beyond Targeted Screenings: The Value of Comprehensive Full Body MRI for Proactive Health
Specific screenings like those for cervical cancer are very important. But they are only one part of your full health picture. If you want to be proactive about your health and find diseases early, a full body MRI screening offers unique information.
What is a full body MRI scan?
A full body MRI scan is a test that does not involve cutting the body or using radiation. It provides detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bones, and almost all other internal body parts. Unlike scans that focus on one area, it gives a complete view. This helps find possible problems early that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Why are comprehensive full body MRI screenings important for early detection?
Full body MRI scans can find many conditions at their earliest stages. These include certain cancers, aneurysms, cysts, and other structural problems. It gives a full look at your internal health. This allows you and your doctor to deal with possible issues before symptoms appear or conditions worsen. This fits perfectly with the proactive health idea of Bionicc Body Screening. Our goal is to give you the information you need for better health and a longer life.
Integrating Advanced Screening into Your Health Journey
For doctors, being able to offer primary HPV screening is key. This includes the self-collection option. It is vital to stay updated on the fast-changing guidelines and learning materials. How self-collected results are managed might be different from samples collected by a doctor.
For patients, it’s important to know if you can get various screenings. This includes self-collection, which is currently for healthy, average-risk patients without symptoms.
Always follow up carefully on abnormal test results. Remember that self-collection for specific screenings does not replace your yearly primary care or GYN visits. It is an addition to a full health plan. Pay close attention to your overall health. No test is perfect.
The Role of Advanced Organizations and Future Outlook in Proactive Care
Organizations like the College of American Pathologists (CAP) are very important. They ensure quality in lab testing and update standards for new practices, like self-collection.
Groups working together, such as with the American Cancer Society’s National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer, are creating educational materials. These are for everyone involved to help with the move to primary HPV screening and self-collection.
At Bionicc Body Screening, we believe in constant effort.
This includes education and easy access to screenings. Both targeted screenings and comprehensive ones like full body MRI are important.
We also believe in developing new screening methods. With these, the scientific community and individuals like you now have the knowledge and tools. We can work together to create a future of better well-being. We can find preventable diseases early, supporting long-term health.
Ready to take control of your health? Schedule your proactive full body MRI screening today. Get unmatched insights into your well-being.
Empower Your Health Journey with Bionicc Body Screening
At Bionicc Body Screening, we use advanced health technology. We follow the highest safety standards. This gives you a comfortable and informative screening experience. Our goal is to offer you the best tools for early disease detection. This works with your current preventative care efforts.
Discover unmatched insights into your well-being. Learn More About Full Body MRI at Bionicc Body Screening
Do you have questions about proactive health scans or what to expect from a full body MRI? Frequently Asked Questions about Full Body MRI
This article is based on an interview of Ritu Nayar, MD, professor of pathology and medical education; executive vice chair of pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Her insights were featured on the AMA Update video and podcast with Todd Unger.
Last Updated: July 30, 2025
Reviewed by: The Bionicc Body Screening Team