Ezra, the US health-tech innovator transforming early cancer detection, is bringing its AI-powered MRI scanning service to West Kensington, opening a new UK site as it targets national coverage.

Designed to detect cancer and hundreds of other health conditions early, the new technology combines advanced artificial intelligence with MRI scans of the body and interrogation from expert radiologists to deliver fast, accurate, and comprehensive screening.

The new West Kensington site situated on Blythe Road, is officially open to patients and offers a 60-minute ‘open’ MRI scanning service aimed at those who prefer not to be in confined spaces.

Ezra focuses on improving early cancer detection to help save lives. In the UK, approximately 392,000 individuals are diagnosed with cancer each year, and in London more than a third (34.3%) are diagnosed at late stages, where treatment options are more limited.

Yet new YouGov research commissioned by Ezra reveals a significant prevention gap: while a third of Britons say they worry about being diagnosed with cancer, only 4% have ever invested in a preventative health scan to date.

The business has already scanned tens of thousands of people across 25 cities in the US – and opened the doors to its first clinic in the UK in London earlier this year. Since then, Ezra has scanned a host of different people helping around 6% with early diagnosis of things which could be a future or imminent healthcare concern.

Unlike other health screening technologies that have hit the market, which focus predominantly on surface-level body mapping and blood tests, Ezra provides a much more comprehensive approach to cancer detection, scanning up to 13 organs using non-contrast MRI imaging, including the brain, liver, kidneys, prostate, uterus and spine, in just 60 minutes.

Now, Ezra is the first to offer comprehensive body scans via ‘open’ MRI in the UK. Unlike a closed tunnel, open MRI machines feature open sides. Less confining than traditional closed MRI scanners, it makes the service accessible for patients who are claustrophobic, anxious, or have limited mobility, reducing obstacles to receive the service.

Complementing the Government’s renewed focus on early screening programmes and a ‘sickness to prevention’ approach, as outlined in its recent NHS 10 year plan – Ezra offers individuals a new way to invest in their long-term well-being by getting a comprehensive look inside their bodies.

The business was founded in 2019 by health-tech entrepreneur Emi Gal, inspired by his own experience as high risk for skin cancer and having lost his mother to cancer – which may have been preventable had it been detected early.

“After witnessing the consequences of late-stage cancer within my own family, early detection became a personal priority,” says Emi Gal, CEO and founder of Ezra. “Ezra was founded to make cutting-edge cancer screening more accessible, without compromise on speed or accuracy. West Kensington stands out as an ideal next location – combining world-class clinical expertise with a population increasingly invested in preventative health.”

Ezra’s AI brings its technology to significantly reduce MRI scan time and improve the clinical workflows for generating medical reports. Each scan is reviewed by specialist radiologists, and a team of medical professionals, categorising each finding with an E-SCORE to highlight findings that may require urgent follow-up. Ezra is a first in the industry – with a strong focus on early detection, particularly for individuals with a family history of cancer or elevated risk factors. Additionally, MRI scans are non-invasive, radiation-free, and safe, offering peace of mind without exposing people to unnecessary ionizing radiation.

“While early detection has the power to dramatically improve survival, too many cancers in the UK are still being found at an advanced stage,” says Dr Dan Brook, UK Medical Director at Ezra. “Our technology provides a new, effective route to earlier diagnosis, particularly for those with increased risk due to genetics or family history.”

Services and Pricing:

60-minute Open MRI Scan with Spine: £2,395 (13-organ MRI scan + spine)
To book:
Consumers can join the wait list for scans at the Ezra partner clinic in West Kensington via the Ezra website (www.ezra.com). After the scan has taken place, results and images will be available via the secure MyEzra portal, with the option for a follow-up consultation with an Ezra clinician.