What the Light protocol covers
The Light scan focuses on the four anatomical regions where MRI screening delivers the highest detection yield for early-stage disease, while skipping the longer spine and chest sequences of the Standard protocol.
- Brain & head: tumours, aneurysms, signs of stroke or ischemic injury.
- Neck: thyroid, lymph nodes, and major vessels.
- Abdomen: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands.
- Pelvis: bladder, prostate, uterus, ovaries.
Why $1,500 — and how does it compare?
At $1,500, the Whole-Body MRI Light is roughly half the cost of the standard whole-body MRI packages offered at AIM ($3,000), Prenuvo ($2,999), or WholeBodyMRI.ca ($3,250). It's designed for adults who want preventative imaging on a recurring basis without the $3,000+ price tag.
Who is the Light scan for?
- Adults under 45 with no specific symptoms who want an affordable baseline.
- People scheduling preventative MRI annually or every other year.
- First-time whole-body MRI patients who want to try the experience before committing to the standard protocol.
- Patients on a tighter budget who still want radiation-free, 1.5T imaging.
What you get
- ~45–60 minute scan in our 1.5T MRI in Toronto
- Board-certified radiologist report delivered in 24–48 hours via patient portal
- Full DICOM images viewable in your portal with our built-in DICOM viewer
- No upfront payment — pay at the clinic
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Light and Standard whole-body MRI?
The Light protocol covers head, neck, abdomen and pelvis — the highest-yield areas for early cancer detection — at a lower price ($1,500). The Standard protocol adds full spine and chest imaging for $2,500.
Does the standard scan also include cancer screening?
Yes. Both scans are cancer-screening scans — the standard Whole-Body MRI ($2,500) simply screens more of the body (brain, neck, full spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, major joints and blood vessels). The Light scan screens the highest-yield cancer regions only: head, neck, abdomen and pelvis.
Does the Whole-Body MRI Light include a full spine MRI?
No. The Light protocol ($1,500) does not include spine imaging — it covers head, neck, abdomen and pelvis only. Full spine imaging (cervical, thoracic and lumbar, including the spinal cord, vertebrae, discs and nerve roots) is part of the Standard Whole-Body MRI at $2,500. If you have back pain, sciatica, neck pain or a known disc or spine problem, book the Standard scan so the spine is actually imaged and reported.
I have chronic back pain — which scan should I choose?
Choose the Standard Whole-Body MRI ($2,500). It includes the full cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, so a radiologist can assess disc herniation, degenerative change, stenosis, nerve-root compression and vertebral abnormalities. The Light scan would not image the area causing your symptoms. Whole-body MRI is a screening service and is not a substitute for urgent assessment — see a physician or call 911 for severe or sudden symptoms such as leg weakness or loss of bladder control.
Who is the Light scan best for?
Adults under 45 with no specific risk factors who want an affordable annual or biennial preventative screen, or people who want to try whole-body MRI before committing to the standard protocol.
Do I get the same radiologist quality?
Yes. The Light scan is read by the same board-certified radiologists with the same 24–48 hour turnaround.
Can I upgrade to the Standard scan later?
Yes. You can book the standard whole-body MRI in a future visit, or extend on the same day if scanner availability permits.