| Who isn’t familiar with the expression, | | | | There are now very strict protocols both for testing |
| “early detection is the best prevention?” | | | | and interpreting. Perhaps due to these guidelines, |
| We hear this term throughout the year and most | | | | thermography (as with all digital technology) has |
| everyone is familiar with this “catch | | | | exploded in its technique and capabilities. Thermal |
| phrase” as it relates to breast cancer. | | | | cameras detect heat emitted from the body and |
| Obviously, a woman’s chance for survival | | | | display it as a picture on a computer monitor. These |
| improves when a cancer is found early. We hear that | | | | images are unique to the person and remain stable |
| simple rhyming statement but are women really | | | | over time. It is because of these characteristics that |
| offered early detection? | | | | thermal imaging is a valuable and effective screening |
| Our “gold standard” for breast cancer | | | | tool. Tumors or other breast diseases measures |
| screening is mammography, clinical breast exam and | | | | warmer than surrounding tissue and can thereby alert |
| self-breast exam. Other techniques are used but ALL | | | | a physician to a problem before a tumor is actually |
| current technologies examine structure; something is | | | | palpable. |
| formed and large enough to be seen or felt. | | | | Medical doctors who interpret the breast scans are |
| However, it is well-documented that a mass that is | | | | board certified thermologists. Thermography is not |
| detected by mammography has been growing for | | | | limited by breast density and is ideal for women who |
| 8-10 years before it was detected. Is this early | | | | have had cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, women |
| detection? | | | | who refuse mammography, or women who want |
| There exists a technology that can detect an issue | | | | clinical correlation for an already existing issue. |
| YEARS before a tumor can be seen on X-ray or | | | | Thermography, because it analyzes a developing |
| palpated during an exam and truly offers early | | | | process, may identify a problem several years before |
| detection. This technology has been approved by the | | | | mammography. As we all know, early detection is |
| FDA as an adjunctive screening tool since 1982 and | | | | important to survival. |
| offers NO RADIATION, NO COMPRESSION AND NO | | | | DITI has an average sensitivity and specificity of |
| PAIN. For women who are searching for early breast | | | | 90%. An abnormal thermogram carries a 10x greater |
| cancer detection, digital infrared thermal imaging | | | | risk for cancer. A persistent abnormal thermogram |
| (DITI) may be of interest. | | | | carries a 22x greater risk for cancer. Thermography, |
| Historically, DITI fell out of favor shortly after its | | | | as well as mammography is a personal choice for |
| initial debut in the early 80s. When DITI was first | | | | women. This decision ideally should be made in |
| introduced, strict protocols and trained technicians did | | | | collaboration between you and your physician. |
| not exist. Shortly after its initial beginnings, DITI fell | | | | However, thermography does not require a |
| out of favor as a diagnostic tool in the medical | | | | physician’s order. |
| community. | | | | |