Objective To investigate the impact of image quality of breathing exercises and checkups compliance for gastrointestinal cancer magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods 128 cases of patients with gastrointestinal cancer enhanced MRI were divided into observation group and control group from June 2012 to June 2014. The control group were underwented with conventional radiology care.The observation group were underwented with breathing exercises.The image quality, scan time, compliance, adverse reactions and nursing satisfaction of two groups were compared. Results The scores of Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) of observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05).The checkups compliance rate, satisfaction rate of observation group were higher than control groups (P<0.05), while the rate of adverse reactions were lower than the control group (P<0.05). The proportion of the image of observation group were clear than observation group, while the scanning time were shorter than control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Breathing exercises can improve gastrointestinal cancer patients MRI negative emotions, improve patient compliance check, mitigate adverse patient examination, will help improve the mood of the image, thereby improving patient satisfaction.