Andrew, 67, came to Pall Mall for peace of mind, and walked away with results that may have saved his life.
A MRI-acle: How a Full Body Scan Detected Cancer Early
Two years ago, Andrew, 67 from Yorkshire, walked into our clinic not because of symptoms, but for reassurance.
He wanted a Full Body Reassurance Scan, which is a modest investment for something priceless: peace of mind.
What he didn’t expect was what the scan would reveal. A stage 1 kidney tumour, hidden in plain sight, waiting to be caught early.
“I don’t say this lightly, but it has probably saved my life,” Andrew has said.
Those words aren’t just a testament to medical luck; they are a tribute to a decision that seemed small at the time, but turned out to be life-changing.
Early detection gave Andrew the chance to act quickly, to be treated before the cancer could do more harm, and to move forward with gratitude instead of fear.
In those moments of uncertainty, a simple feeling grew into a quiet promise: health is not a given, and it’s never too late to listen to the body’s signals.
What is an MRI Scan?
MRI scans are a non-invasive way to look inside the body with extraordinary detail.
In simple terms, the scanner uses a strong, safe magnetic field to gently line up tiny particles in your body, a bit like lots of tiny compass needles all pointing the same way. Non-Ionizing Radio waves are then used to nudge these particles so that, as they settle back into place, they release signals that can be picked up and turned into incredibly detailed images by a computer.
Unlike some other types of scans, MRIs don’t rely on Ionizing radiation, which makes them a safer option for many people, and sometimes a special dye is used to highlight particular areas, such as tumours, blood vessels, or inflammation.
The end result is a set of clear, cross-sectional images of your organs, tissues, and bones that allow doctors to spot anything unusual early and plan the right treatment.
The result is a high-contrast map of what’s inside, allowing doctors to spot abnormalities early and plan effective treatment. If you’re curious or anxious about what an MRI entails, remember: it’s designed to be meticulous, non-invasive, and increasingly accessible for peace of mind and early diagnosis.
What is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer can be stealthy, often detected by chance or after a persistent signal of concern. For Andrew, an early-stage diagnosis meant he could go along with treatment with optimism and a plan, rather than facing a later, more daunting fight. Early diagnosis isn’t a guarantee against hardship, but it shifts the odds measurably in a patient’s favour: more options, less aggressive intervention in many cases, and a clearer path to recovery.
What are the Types of MRI Scan Available?
Silver
The Silver Brain & Body MRI Package offers a valuable general health overview through MRI scans of the brain, abdomen, and pelvis, making it ideal for anyone interested in detecting issues or gaining clarity on their overall health. This package includes a detailed follow-up report and flexible payment options, now available for £795, reduced from the original price of £1,600.
Gold
Our Gold Brain & Body MRI Package provides everything in the Silver package, with the addition of a spine MRI scan for a more targeted assessment of internal health. Patients benefit from a follow-up call with a doctor, flexible three-part payment plans, and a significant discount: the price is now £995, down from £2,000.
Platinum
Our Platinum Full Body MRI Package is the most detailed, providing an in-depth, full-body scan experience. It covers the brain, abdomen, pelvis, and full spine, and includes advanced blood tests (Profile 5 or 6 depending on gender), PLAC cardiac assessment, hormone checks, and a resting ECG. A 30-minute follow-up doctor’s call is included to discuss results, offering reassurance and a deep dive into your health status. Now £1,395 down from £2,790.
Diamond
Our Diamond Full Body MRI Package offers the most comprehensive insight into your health, combining everything included in our Platinum package with an enhanced suite of advanced diagnostic tests. Alongside your full-body MRI and detailed clinical review, the Diamond package adds an AM Cortisol test to assess stress hormone levels, adrenal function and potential burnout. You’ll also benefit from early cancer detection screening through key tumour markers (CEA, AFP and CA19-9), helping identify risks linked to bowel, liver, pancreatic and testicular cancers. To further support long-term health, this package measures Homocysteine, an important indicator of heart disease, stroke and dementia risk, as well as essential Vitamin B1 and B6 levels, which can reveal hidden causes of fatigue, low energy and brain fog. The Diamond Package is designed for those seeking the highest level of reassurance, prevention and personalised health insight. Now £1695, down from £3390.
The Power of Listening to the Body
Too many people push away vague signs or delay action because “general worries” feel unworthy of attention. The “I don’t want to cause a fuss” mindset steps in. Headaches, pains, a nagging sense that something isn’t right, these aren’t small things to dismiss. They are prompts to pause, check in, and seek clarity. A scan or a consultation can transform vague worry into actionable knowledge, turning fear into empowerment.
Health is True Wealth
What is health worth if not everything? Without it, what do we have to share with the people we love, the stories we tell, the work we do, the mornings we wake up ready to live fully? Andrew’s story isn’t just about a diagnosis; it’s a reminder that investing in health is an act of love toward those who depend on us and toward the life we want to lead.
There’s a particular kind of gratitude that comes from confronting the fragility of life and choosing not to ignore it. Andrew’s gratitude isn’t grandiose; it’s intimate and grounded in the knowledge that a modest investment in health - one scan, one decision - can alter the course of a life.
Gratitude becomes a daily practice: for the doctors who listened, for the technology that makes early detection possible, for the chance to be there for the people who matter most.
I Don't Feel Right. Where Can I Get A Proper Health Check?
If something in your body doesn’t feel quite right, consider pausing the noise of everyday life and seeking reassurance. A scan isn’t a guarantee, but it is often a doorway to peace of mind and, crucially, early intervention. It’s not about fear; it’s about ownership of your health, your time, your future, your one and only life!
The message is simple and hopeful; prioritise health now, and let the results guide you with clarity and care. If you can, don’t let fear of cost or inconvenience remove the possibility of certainty. The payoff is a healthier tomorrow, and the priceless gift of being able to keep showing up for the people you love.
Andrew’s journey from a quiet worry to a life-saving discovery is the ultimate validation of proactive health choices. It invites us all to rethink what “worth it” really means when it comes to health. If you’ve been postponing a scan or a check, may his courage inspire you to consider your own peace of mind, and the unspoken truth: health is worth every investment, because without it, everything else is worthless.
Private MRI Scan
Plenty of interest and curiosity surrounds MRI Scans. People want to know, how much does it cost to have an MRI scan done privately? Or, how much does it cost to get an MRI scan? Equally, many ask how long will I wait for an MRI scan on the NHS and can I get a private MRI without a GP referral, and is a private MRI worth it?
At Pall Mall Medical, full body MRI scans start from £795. NHS MRI wait times are commonly between 8 to 26 weeks, depending on urgency and where you live. At Pall Mall Medical, we allow self-referral for MRI scans, meaning you don’t need a GP’s recommendation to book privately.
Book your private MRI scan today, with no referral required and appointments available seven days a week. Choose a date and time that suits you in our trusted CQC registered private hospital, and you’ll receive a full written report with scan images within seven days for peace of mind.
Always here to help, whenever you need us
Our expert team are always here to help, advise and arrange appointments with our specialist consultants.