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A Tool for Early Breast Cancer Screening
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
persistent 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.
Brenda Witt is co-owner of Proactive Health Solutions in
Southern California. She is an American College of Clinical
Thermology (ACCT) certified thermographer in the Orange County
area.
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