Thermography, an ideal screening tool for breast cancer

Thermographic Diagnostic Imaging (TDI), part of a Health & Wellness Center in Marlton, New Jersey continues to provide superior quality infrared imaging of the breast, neuromuscular system, thyroid, dental, TMJ and sinus regions to assist in the early diagnosis of problems associated with these areas.

Thermography utilizes infrared imaging cameras that "read" the entire infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum and produce images. Medical Thermography uses infrared technology to provide an image of the body's physiological responses. It does so without the use of radiation, contact or other invasive means. There are no risks or side effects to the test.

TDI utilizes the NEC Thermo Tracer by Mikron, the only FDA approved unit expressly designed for medical applications. It is considered by many to be the finest thermal imaging camera available due to its lack of drift leading to highly reproducible serial studies. Not all Thermographic equipment is of this quality. Some units do not allow for variable statistical measurement of regions of interest.

"It is imperative that the interpreter 'mark up' the images not only to compare contralateral temperatures but also to assure that the same points can be measured in all future studies," explains Dr. Philip Getson. "Additionally each breast study should be a 'full study' with at least nine views in black and white and nine color images. A cold challenge should also be employed in all breast studies," he adds.

TDI strictly adheres to protocols of the world wide Thermographic community. All images are taken in controlled environments with special attention to temperature and ambient light. As a part of patient centered approach all abnormal reports are followed up with a phone conference with Dr. Getson at which time the images are reviewed and recommendations made. These may include further diagnostic tests as well nutritional and dietary counseling, detoxification and other approaches to health.

"Thermography is a totally safe, non-radiologic, non-invasive, painless test with absolutely no adverse effects and NO contraindications," explains Liesha Getson. "It can be used at any age and provides a diagnostic tool far superior to others in early stages of some diseases, while being equally effective at any stage of the disease process," she adds.

It is well documented in all fields of medicine that the earliest detection leads to the best outcome. In this highly technological era where patients are becoming better informed and more pro-active with regard to their health, Thermography offers a safe means of early detection.

All of this information has become even more important in light of recent events surrounding the use of mammography and the position of the American Cancer Society.

As explained in a front page article of The New York Times on October 20, 2009, Dr. Otis Brawley, Chief Medical Officer of the Society stated that the "medical profession had exaggerated the benefit of cancer screening."

While the Society continues to recommend mammograms, there is debate as to their effectiveness in the diagnosis of breast cancer. They issued a statement saying: "mammography can miss cancers that need treatment, and in some cases, finds disease that does not need treatment."

More recently, on November 16, 2009 the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations for the General Public was released, changing a long standing position regarding mammography. Their new recommendations include:

• Begin screening at age 50 (formerly 40)
• Screen every other year (formerly annually)
• No screening after age 75
• Physicians should stop teaching self exam
• Benefit of physician-based physical exams was questioned

Interestingly, the USPSTF's evaluation stated that, "Rather than benefit from screening, women without cancer may incur harm when undergoing mammography, additional imaging, and biopsies."

Then why not Thermography? Studies have shown that Thermography has a higher degree of success in identifying breast cancer in women under the age of 55 and has been shown to be extremely effective when combined with clinical breast exams and anatomic testing for women over 55. Moreover it provides a completely safe and non-invasive baseline against which future scans can be compared for the ongoing monitoring of breast health.

According to a report in Time Magazine on April 28, 2003 the American Cancer Society is quoted: "Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 44." Therefore screening should begin on women in their early twenties, since most lethal breast cancers can take approximately 15 years from onset to time of death. Because of its safety factor and sensitivity, this makes Thermography the IDEAL screening tool.