Screening For Breast Cancer With No Compression And No Radiation

Breast cancer is a prevalent disease that affects numerous women worldwide. Early detection is crucial for improving survival rates, and advancements in medical technology have provided various screening methods. One such method is Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI), which offers a unique approach to detecting breast cancer without the use of compression or radiation.

The origins of DITI can be traced back to the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, who utilized a similar technique. He would spread mud over his patients and observe which areas dried first, as those regions often indicated the presence of disease. Fast forward to the modern era, in 1957, when a Canadian doctor discovered that the skin temperature over a breast tumor was higher than that of healthy tissue. This observation laid the foundation for the development of thermography as a diagnostic tool for breast cancer.

In 1982, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved thermography and recognized it as an additional diagnostic tool for breast cancer detection. However, during its initial introduction, DITI faced challenges due to the lack of established protocols for technicians performing the scans and doctors interpreting the results. Consequently, it fell out of favor in the medical community. Nevertheless, rigorous protocols have since been developed, ensuring standardized testing and interpretation procedures.

Thermal cameras are at the core of DITI technology. These cameras detect the heat emitted by the body and display it as images on a computer monitor. These thermal images are unique to each individual and remain relatively stable over time. This characteristic makes thermal imaging a valuable screening tool for detecting changes that could be indicative of trouble ahead. Early detection is pivotal in improving cancer outcomes, and DITI offers an advantage by providing a non-invasive alternative to mammography.

One significant benefit of thermography is that it does not involve radiation exposure or breast compression, which are reasons some women may be hesitant to undergo mammography. In DITI, temperature changes in the body are measured. Tumors have a tendency to create their own blood vessels, resulting in increased heat in those areas. The thermal camera can detect these changes in heat or temperature, which may raise suspicion of an underlying issue.

Interpretation of breast scans obtained through thermography is typically performed by board-certified thermologists who specialize in analyzing thermal images. Another advantage of DITI is its applicability to women of all ages. It is not restricted by breast density and is particularly suitable for women who have undergone cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.

Considering that cancer typically takes around 15 years from onset to death, it is crucial to commence screenings early. Ideally, women should begin thermographic screenings by the age of 25. It is important to note that a woman diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 may have had the cancer as early as age 30. Since most women do not undergo mammograms until age 40, there is a critical time period from age 25 to 39 where thermography could be highly beneficial.

Thermography does not replace mammography but serves as an additional screening tool. When combined with mammography, the detection rate can increase to an impressive 95-98%, surpassing the effectiveness of either technology used alone. Although thermographic screening may not be covered by most insurance companies, it is surprisingly affordable for many individuals.

To obtain more information about thermography or to locate a certified clinic in your area, you can visit the website www.proactivehealthonline.com.