Observations Regarding the Detection of Abnormal Findings Following a Cancer Screening Whole‐Body MRI in Asymptomatic Subjects: The Psychological Consequences and the Role of Personality Traits Over Time

Background The use of whole‐body MRI (WB‐MRI) in oncology has uncovered frequent unexpected abnormal findings (AFs). However, the impact of AFs on the patients' mental well‐being is still poorly examined. Purpose To investigate the long‐term psychological consequences of AF detection following WB‐MRI for cancer screening in asymptomatic individuals. Study Type Prospective, longitudinal. Population 121 consecutive subjects of the general population (mean age = 52.61 ± 11.39 years; 63% males) scheduled for cancer screening by WB‐MRI. Field Strength/Sequence 1.5‐T and 3‐T; protocol complied with Oncologically Relevant Findings Reporting and Data System (ONCO‐RADS) guidelines. Assessment Participants completed the first psychological investigation (T0) immediately after the WB‐MRI. Subsequently, it was repeated after 1‐year (T1), and 4‐years (T2, subgroup of 61 participants) without an MRI exam, assessing personality traits, tumor risk perception, quality of life, depressive, and anxious symptoms. Radiologists directly reported WB‐MRI findings to the participants, explaining the clinical implications and the location of the AFs. The number and severity of AFs were assessed. Statistical Tests Pearson's correlations and analysis of variance with repeated measures assessed the psychological health variables' relationship and their changes over time. A P‐value