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.

---

Breast Cancer Statistics ? How Breast Cancer Survival Rates Increased 50%

Breast cancer statistics show that over 1.2 million persons will... Read More

Finding the Spirit - Identifying the Enemy

In the daily fight for survival our vision is blurred... Read More

Mammograms Are No Joke - They Can Save Lives!

There are so many jokes about mammograms! Have you heard... Read More

Victorious

There it is again. I muttered to myself, frustrated as... Read More

New Hope to Prevent Breast Cancer: What Every Woman Needs to Know

In March, 2005, a major nutritional breakthrough in the fight... Read More

Antiperspirants And Breast Cancer

Most underarm antiperspirants contain as the active ingredient, Aluminium Chlorohydrate,... Read More

Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Tips

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Men and women can... Read More

Screening For Breast Cancer With No Compression And No Radiation

Who would have thought that a technology for detecting breast... Read More

Mammogram and Breast Cancer Screening

Cancer screening The term screening is commonly used for a... Read More

The News You Dont Want To Hear: Youve Got Breast Cancer

For many people being told that they have cancer is... Read More

Lets Start Screening For Breast Health

In the United States, American women are told to begin... Read More

Your Risk of Cancer Can Increase With Weight Gain!

We hear it all the time?lose weight for your health.... Read More

Naural Self-Defense Against Breast Cancer - Learning to Cope Successfully with Organochlorine Pollut

What are organochlorines?Organochlorines are chemicals found in some herbicides and... Read More

Fourteen Simple Things You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk for Breast Cancer

1. Increase your consumption of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.2.... Read More

Are Obese Women Getting Short-Changed By Chemotherapy Treatments?

How much chemotherapy does an obese woman need? Typically an... Read More

Gift Giving for Breast Cancer Patients and Their Families

Did you know that each year, 182,000 women are diagnosed... Read More

A Tool for Early Breast Cancer Screening

Who isn't familiar with the expression, "early detection is the... Read More

Breast Cancer

In December of 2001, breast cancer was the furthest thing... Read More

Breast Cancer Detection Unit for the Home

Detecting Breast Cancer early is a key step in protecting... Read More

Breast Cancer for Beginners

Introduction Because of the social changes, which has brought increased... Read More

Breast Cancer - 101

The cancer is a term for diseases in which abnormal... Read More

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging In Medical Therapy

Digital technology now makes Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging available to... Read More

Passive Smokers Can Get Breast Cancer! Learn How?

US scientists have claimed that secondhand smokers are at higher... Read More

Recommendations For Early Breast Cancer Screening

Women need to empower themselves about the benefits and risks... Read More

My First Thermographic Experience

I had been a bit nervous all day wondering what... Read More

Do You Know Some Nutrients Help Prevent Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer today is one of the most threatening conditions... Read More

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer women face... Read More

Breast Cancer The Cure

You have my permission to publish this article electronically or... Read More

Can You Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

We hear it all the time?lose weight for your health.... Read More

Finding Your Spiritual Strength in the Midst of Your Emotional Turmoil

There were so many emotions that I experienced in 2003... Read More

Early Detection And Breast Cancer

It is generally accepted that by the time a cancer... Read More

Early Breast Cancer Detection

Most women are familiar with mammography as our "gold standard"... Read More

New Advances In Early Breast Cancer Detection

In November 2003, the American Cancer Society stated that breast... Read More