When cells in the breast tissue spread to form malignant or cancerous tumors, the result is breast cancer.  This form of cancer affects both sexes; however, it affects a greater number of women every year than men.  According to the American Cancer Society, while approximately 2,000 men will be diagnosed with the cancer every year, over 180,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease.  The American Cancer Society further notes that this form of cancer is the second leading cause of death in women, and one in eight women will experience invasive cancer of the breast during their lifetime. 

As reinforced by Dr. Ann Kulze, the author of Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet, there are ways to prevent cancer of the breast, such as maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding alcohol, eating fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly.  However, there are other important steps that a woman can take to prevent breast cancer.  Those include self examinations, mammograms and thermal breast imaging.

As we move more into the 21st century, cancer screening through the use of infrared cameras is becoming more popular as a way to detect breast cancer at its earliest stage.  Infrared cameras produce a high accuracy rate and are completely safe.  With the procedure, there is no radiation involved.

Since 1987, thermal breast imaging, which was approved by the FDA, has been recognized as a "viable diagnostic tool since 1987 by the AMA council on Scientific Affairs, the ACA Council on Diagnostic Imaging, the Congress of Neuro-Surgeons since 1988, and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation since 1990."

According to BreastThermography.com, Medical Thermography is "based on detecting the heat produced by increased blood vessel circulation and metabolic changes associated with a tumor's genesis and growth. By detecting minute variations in normal blood vessel activity, infrared imaging may find thermal signs suggesting a pre-cancerous state of the breast or the presence an early tumor that is not yet large enough to be detected by physical examination, mammography, or other types of structural imaging."

Thermal breast imaging offers a distinct advantage over traditional methods of self examination and mammograms for women with certain conditions.  Those may include women who are in pre-menopause or full menopause and who are on hormone replacement therapy.  They can include women who are nursing.  It can also include women who have had breast enlargements.   These types of conditions are not a hindrance to the procedure.

Thermal breast imaging is not a replacement for traditional methods of breast cancer prevention; however it works in partnership with self exams, mammograms and general health to prevent breast cancer. Because the procedure can detect the earliest stages of possible cancer, infrared cameras are a highly effective aid for prevention.

The American Cancer Society suggests that early detection for breast cancer begins with women at the age of 40.  Mammograms and thermal breast imaging can be accomplished through your doctor or trusted health care provider.  Most medical insurance will cover the cost of mammograms. However, according to the Holistic Medical Center, the procedure may not be covered by insurance.  As indicated on their website, "As far as we are aware there are no insurance companies currently covering thermal breast screening. However, please feel free to request this from your insurance provider to make them aware of the value of this early method of detection as many of the new forward thinking insurance providers are encouraging their clients to be proactive regarding their health care."

by Jolie du Pre

Jolie du Pre is a 46 year old woman who schedules yearly mammograms.  She believes that thermal imaging is an excellent addition to help in the prevention of breast cancer.


Sources

http://www.flirthermography.com/media/articles/medical_infrared_thermal.asp

http://www.breastthermography.com/

http://womenshealth.about.com/od/cancerprevention/a/10stepsprevbcan.htm

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_1X_How_many_people_get_breast_cancer_5.asp