Here is how they work:

A cell puts out energy as it grows and divides into multiple cells. The faster this growth occurs, the higher is the energy output. This energy output increases the heat; that is, a breast cancer is, among other things, a severe inflammation that does not respond to normal anti-inflammation drugs, whether they are OTC or prescription.

This increase in energy production has been known for a very long time. In the 1960s and 1970s, Xerography was used, but the printouts of the pictures taken of the breast hot spots took the form of a series of life-size pictures on sheets of computer paper that might be yards long. The sheer inconvenience of Xerographic heat detection made it impracticable and eventually it was largely though not totally abandoned. What we now know as traditional mammography, which is radiation-based and was in use before Xerography was tried, took its place.

But problems with mammography abound. There are many false positives, which must be ruled out by biopsy, and much more serious, there are many false negatives. Breast cancer is the second leading malpractice-related condition with most lawsuits arising out of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. One problem is that a mammogram may be negative, even for women with a breast lump, but a negative mammogram does not definitively rule out breast cancer. Further tests are necessary. Another problem is that women under 50 can get breast cancer, but many doctors will assume a diagnosis of breast fibrocystic disease because of their age.

It is in that area of women under 50 years old that infrared camera, viewing their digital images on computer screens rather than yard-long paper, are the most useful. Although fibrocystic breast disease puts out some heat, it does not involve the very rapid cell growth and proliferation seen in cancer. For that reason, an infrared camera will show a much hotter image on a cancer than on a cyst or fibroid. This lowers the likelihood of a false positive and a false negative. According to a brochure on Breast Health, infrared screening is especially appropriate for younger women (30 to 50) whose denser breast tissue makes it more difficult for mammography to be effective.

However, infrared cameras also have limitations. The most important one is that infrared cameras do not have the penetrating effectiveness of radiology. Therefore, a cancer an inch from the skin will almost certainly be picked up by infrared photography, but a cancer clinging to the back of the breast wall will be missed. This cancer will probably be missed by traditional mammography as well.

Ultimately, the responsibility for breast cancer detection falls to each individual woman. She must see to it that the early detection guidelines are followed.  Annual Infrared Imaging (thermography) screening for women of all ages.  Mammography, when considered appropriate for women who are aged 50 or older. A regular breast examination by health professional Monthly breast self-examination. Personal awareness for [sic] changes in the breast.  Readiness to discuss quickly any such changes with a doctor.

That last is critically important. Most women quickly become aware of changes in their breasts, but all too many women won't report the changes to their doctors because they are afraid they have breast cancer and somehow convince themselves that if they don't have the cancer confirmed medically it will go away. The best technology in the world will not save a woman from a breast cancer if she won't allow to be diagnosed or treated.

by Anne Wingate, Ph.D

About the Author

My first mammogram, when I was in my late 20s, was a Xerograph. I still remember how LONG that sheet of paper was. My mother and her mother both died of breast cancer. Last year I was on an every three months mammography schedule, but after one last month they put me back on an every six month schedule. I have read every book on breast cancer I could get my hands on, including some from the University of Utah's medical school library.


References:

Breast Health. Meditherm. http://www.meditherm.com/assets/Breast.pdf (May 7, 2009).

ETI P-series Medical Imaging Infrared Camera. Infrared Cameras, Inc. http://www.infraredcamerasinc.com (May 7, 2009).

Meditherm. Compix Incorporated. http://www.thermographythermalinfraredimaging.com/?gclid=CK2KjNfxqpoCFRwDagodWRr70w (May 7, 2009).

Wingate, Anne, Ph.D. Personal knowledge. (May 7, 2009)