A Tool for Early Breast Cancer Screening
by:
Brenda Witt
Who isn’t familiar with the expression, “early detection is the better 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 once
a cancer is found early. We hear that simple assonant statement but are women actually offered early detection?
Our “gold standard” for breast cancer screening is mammography, clinical breast communication and self-breast exam. Else techniques are used but ALL current technologies examine structure; thing
is formed and large enough to be seen or felt. However, it is well-documented that a mass that is detected by diagnostic procedure has been growing for 8-10 years before it was detected. Is this early detection?
There exists a technology that can find an issue YEARS before a tumor can be seen on X-ray or palpated during an communication and truly offers early detection. This technology has been authorized
by the FDA as an connected
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. Once
DITI was 1st 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 really strict protocols some
for testing and interpreting. Mayhap due to these guidelines, diagnostic procedure (as with all digital technology) has exploded in its technique and capabilities. Thermal cameras find heat emitted from the body and display it as a image on a computer monitor. These pictures 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 else breast diseases measures heater than encompassing tissue and can thereby alert a dr. to a problem before a tumor is actually palpable.
Medical doctors who interpret the breast scans are board certified thermologists. Diagnostic procedure is not limited by breast density and is ideal for women who have had cosmetic or rehabilitative 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 some 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 diagnostic procedure is a personal select for women. This decision ideally should be ready-made in collaboration between you and your physician. However, diagnostic procedure makes not require a physician’s order.
Thermographic screening is not covered by most insurance companies but is amazingly inexpensive for most people. For much information or to find a certified clinic in your area, go to www.proactivehealthonline.com.
About The Author
Brenda Witt is co-owner of Active
Health Solutions in Southern California. She has worked in the medical field for 9 years and is now an American College of Clinical Thermology (ACCT) certified thermographer in the Orange County area. To contact Brenda, email her at brenda@proactivehealthonline.com.
