Who isn’t familiar with the expression, “early detection is the
best prevention?” We hear this term throughout the year and most
everyone is familiar with this “catch phrase” as it relates to
breast cancer. Obviously, a woman’s chance for survival improves
when a cancer is found early. We hear that simple rhyming
statement but are women really offered early detection?
Our “gold standard” for breast cancer screening is mammography,
clinical breast exam and self-breast exam. Other techniques are
used but ALL current technologies examine structure; something
is formed and large enough to be seen or felt. However, it is
well-documented that a mass that is detected by mammography has
been growing for 8-10 years before it was detected. Is this
early detection?
There exists a technology that can detect an issue YEARS before
a tumor can be seen on X-ray or palpated during an exam and
truly offers early detection. This technology has been approved
by the FDA as an adjunctive screening tool since 1982 and offers
NO RADIATION, NO COMPRESSION AND NO PAIN. For women who are
searching for early breast cancer detection, digital infrared
thermal imaging (DITI) may be of interest.
Historically, DITI fell out of favor shortly after its initial
debut in the early 80s. When DITI was first introduced, strict
protocols and trained technicians did not exist. Shortly after
its initial beginnings, DITI fell out of favor as a diagnostic
tool in the medical community.
There are now very strict protocols both for testing and
interpreting. Perhaps due to these guidelines, thermography (as
with all digital technology) has exploded in its technique and
capabilities. Thermal cameras detect heat emitted from the body
and display it as a picture on a computer monitor. These images
are unique to the person and remain stable over time. It is
because of these characteristics that thermal imaging is a
valuable and effective screening tool. Tumors or other breast
diseases measures warmer than surrounding tissue and can thereby
alert a physician to a problem before a tumor is actually
palpable.
Medical doctors who interpret the breast scans are board
certified thermologists. Thermography is not limited by breast
density and is ideal for women who have had cosmetic or
reconstructive surgery, women who refuse mammography, or women
who want clinical correlation for an already existing issue.
Thermography, because it analyzes a developing process, may
identify a problem several years before mammography. As we all
know, early detection is important to survival.
DITI has an average sensitivity and specificity of 90%. An
abnormal thermogram carries a 10x greater risk for cancer. A
persistently abnormal thermogram carries a 22x greater risk for
cancer. Thermography, as well as mammography is a personal
choice for women. This decision ideally should be made in
collaboration between you and your physician. However,
thermography does not require a physician’s order. Thermographic
screening is not covered by most insurance companies but is
surprisingly affordable for most people. For more information or
to find a certified clinic in your area, go to
www.proactivehealthonline.com.
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