A Tool for Early Breast Cancer Screening

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 alliterative statement but are women actually offered early detection?

Our “gold standard” for breast cancer screening is mammography, clinical breast communicating and self-breast exam. Different 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 technique has been growing for 8-10 years before it was detected. Is this early detection?

There exists a technology that can discover an issue YEARS before a tumor can be seen on X-ray or palpated during an communicating and truly offers early detection. This technology has been authorised 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. Maybe due to these guidelines, diagnostic technique (as with all digital technology) has exploded in its technique and capabilities. Thermal cameras discover 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 different breast diseases measures device than close tissue and can thereby alert a doc to a problem before a tumor is actually palpable.

Medical doctors who interpret the breast scans are board certified thermologists. Diagnostic technique is not limited by breast density and is ideal for women who have had cosmetic or constructive 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 technique is a personal select for women. This decision ideally should be ready-made in collaboration between you and your physician. However, diagnostic technique makes not require a physician’s order.

Thermographic screening is not covered by most insurance companies but is astonishingly cheap 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.