In a healthcare system long dominated by reactive care, one St. Petersburg-based company is redefining what it means to stay ahead of disease. TrueScan, the first full-body MRI center in Tampa Bay, is pioneering a new standard in preventive health by offering fast, radiation-free full-body MRI scans that detect over 500 medical conditions – including stage 1 cancers, aneurysms, musculoskeletal issues, and autoimmune diseases.
TrueScan, located at 5015 4th St. North in St. Pete, was established to help catch potentially fatal diseases and conditions early – before it’s too late. The non-invasive technology allows doctors to detect these issues early, often well before any symptoms arise, which can help save lives in a race against time.
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“We created TrueScan because serious conditions – like cancers and aneurysms – are often diagnosed too late,” said Michael Andoniades, founder of TrueScan. “By the time symptoms appear, the disease has typically progressed. We built TrueScan to change that, giving people a proactive way to take control of their health.”
The case for preventive scanning
Over 50% of cancer cases are diagnosed in late stages, when treatment is less effective and survival rates plummet. Many other serious conditions follow a similar pattern. The problem? Most diseases show no symptoms in their early stages, and routine screenings only target a handful of risks.
To put it in perspective, researchers at Queen’s University at Kingston in Canada concluded that even a four-week delay in cancer treatment can increase the risk of death by up to 13 percent.
“Although you may feel fine, that doesn’t always mean you are,” explained Dr. Janice Summers, Medical Director at TrueScan. “We know that conditions like cancer, aneurysms, and autoimmune diseases can be silently progressing long before symptoms ever show up. That’s where early detection becomes life-saving.”
TrueScan’s approach is centered around a non-invasive, radiation-free full-body MRI that detects over 500 medical conditions. The scan gives patients and their doctors a detailed view inside the body, creating a baseline to track changes over time.
“Early detection gives patients options they wouldn’t have otherwise,” Dr. Summers said. “It’s often the difference between a simple treatment plan and a medical emergency.”
Inside the scan: fast, radiation-free, and no referral needed
Unlike traditional medical imaging, TrueScan doesn’t require a referral. Patients can easily schedule a full-body MRI online at their own convenience. The entire scan takes just 60 minutes, and results are typically available within 48 hours.
Afterward, every patient meets directly with one of TrueScan’s experienced physicians to discuss their results: either Dr. Janice Summers MD, a double-board-certified Family Practice physician with over 25 years of experience, or Dr. Robert Lazzara MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon with 25+ years of clinical expertise. Each scan is interpreted by Dr. Glenn Call MD, TrueScan’s Director of Radiology and a board-certified neuroradiologist with more than 30 years of experience.
Patients also receive direct access to TrueScan’s specialist referral network for further evaluation or treatment if needed.
“Our clinical follow-up is what truly sets us apart,” Andoniades explained. “We don’t just deliver results — we ensure every patient understands their findings and knows exactly what to do next.”
The new trend: young adults are prioritizing health
Since opening its St. Petersburg facility in December 2024, TrueScan’s team says they have observed a surprising and encouraging trend: the average age of patients is just 40 years old. This underscores a growing recognition among younger adults that proactive health screenings are essential.
The shift aligns with recent data showing a disturbing global trend in early-onset cancers. According to a 2023 report in BMJ Oncology, cancer diagnoses in adults under 50 have increased by 79% worldwide between 1990 and 2019.
“It’s incredibly positive to see more individuals in their 30s and 40s prioritize proactive screening,” Dr. Summers said. “Recognizing these risks early—especially as dangerous cancers become more common among younger adults—is an essential step toward better long-term outcomes.”
TrueScan and its medical team remain dedicated to ongoing research into how full-body MRI technology enhances early detection and cancer treatment, driven by a mission to make proactive healthcare accessible to everyone – and to all ages
The future of proactive healthcare
With interest in proactive health and longevity on the rise, TrueScan is leading the way in bridging the gap between early detection and everyday healthcare. And as more people begin to prioritize prevention over reaction, one thing becomes clear: the future of medicine isn’t about waiting for symptoms — it’s about seeing what’s happening inside your body before they start.
For more information, visit www.truescanmri.com, call them at 727-256-0095, or see TrueScan in person at 5015 4th St N. in St. Pete.
Scans start at just $995 and are HSA/FSA eligible. Interest-free financing is available through Affirm. Contact TrueScan to learn more or schedule your scan today.
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