Early Breast Cancer Detection
by:
Brenda Witt
Most women are familiar with diagnostic procedure as our "gold standard" for breast cancer screening. However, there are additional tools accessible that women can add to their arsenal.
One of the most effective tools in breast cancer screening is breast self-exam (BSE). However, BSE works better once
women are fitly trained in the procedure, and then followed-up with annual clinical breast exams (CBE) from their physicians. In a 2000 University of Provincial capital
study, close to 20,000 women were screened for breast cancer with BSE and annual CBE, and 20,000 were screened with BSE and mammograms. After much than 10 years, the BSE and annual CBE rumored
610 cases of invasive breast cancer, and 105 deaths. In the BSE and x-ray photograph group, there were 622 cases of invasive breast cancer and 107 deaths. Without question, the 1st line of defense against breast cancer begins with diligent BSE.
Other tools that are accessible to women include the AMAS (anti-malignan macromolecule screen) test and the NMP Nuclear matrix protein) test. Some
these are blood tests that measure a certain macromolecule in the blood that may indicate cancer. The AMAS test has been about for some years spell the NMP test has not been accessible until only recently. Clinical trials continue in this area.
One additional tool that may find an issue early is digital infrared thermal imaging or DITI. In 1982, the FDA authorized
diagnostic procedure as an connected
tool for breast cancer screening. DITI measures heat emitted from the body and is accurate to 1/100th of a degree. DITI examines physiology, NOT structure. It is in this capacity that DITI can monitor breast HEALTH over time and alert a patient or dr. to a developing problem; possibly before a lump can be seen on X-ray or palpated clinically. There are no test limitations such as breast density. DITI is a non-invasive test that makes not emit radiation.
The unique characteristics of cancer allow DITI to find breast cancer at an earlier stage of growth. As cancer is developing, it builds its own blood supply which is then mirrored
as augmented heat in that particular region of the breast. DITI has a specificity of 83%; which reflects a problem in its early stages of development not late-stage cancer as in mammography. An abnormal thermogram carries a 10-times greater risk for cancer and a persistently abnormal thermogram carries a 22-times greater risk for cancer.
Clinical research studies continue to keep thermography’s role as an connected
tool in breast cancer screening and the ONLY tool that measures breast health over time. There are now much than 800 publications on over 300,000 women in clinical trials. A recent finding publicized
in the American Journal of Radiology in 2003 showed that diagnostic procedure has 99% sensitivity in distinctive
breast cancer with single examinations and limited views. Scientists ended that a negative thermogram is powerful evidence that cancer is not present.
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.
