Prevention, prevention, prevention is the chant of everyone who has anything to do with medicine today. It couldn’t be more logical than that, but it isn’t always as easy as it sounds. There are many ways for patients to be preventative, most of which they have to figure out on their own. Thermography is one of the ways to supplement breast cancer prevention efforts. I say “supplement,” because thermography is a screening test. Tests don’t actually prevent anything; tests determine whether you have reaped the rewards of a preventative lifestyle or not.
Thermography
This screening technology fits right into the naturopathic doctrine of “do no harm.” Thermography is 100% safe, completely non-invasive, has no radiation and does not touch the breast. Thermography is a scan that detects levels of temperature, in this case, in the breast tissue. These levels of temperature can show if there is something irregular going on. In the case of breast scanning, one scan is done for a baseline and then the following scans are done to determine if the temperature pattern has changed from the previous test or base line. Any irregularities can indicate the need for further testing and possible intervention. If there is an irregularity found, the thermography will target exactly where other tests and steps need to be focused.
Alternative to Mammogram?
The US Department of Health and Human Services released new recommendations for screening mammography in 2009. The Department previously recommended that women begin having annual mammograms between 35 and 40 years of age. The new recommendations for mammography screen- ing suggest tests begin when a woman is 50 years old and be done once every 2 years (or annually for patients with higher risk factors). Many doctors and patients were alarmed with this new recommendation. They shouldn’t be. First we have to define “screening.” Screening is for those women who don’t have any known risk of breast cancer. These women do not need to be exposed to radiation starting at a young age and year after year to screen for breast cancer. The women that need yearly mammograms are those with the risks of getting breast cancer. Thermography should not be consid- ered an alternative to mammograms. But it is certainly an option that can be utilized in addition to the mammogram and as an alternative for those years in between mammograms for patients who want to have an annual screening but not be exposed to more radiation. Additionally, I would highly recommend any women who are not doing any mammography for whatever reason should use thermography for breast cancer screening. Breast thermography will provide an early indication of any abnormalities allowing for further testing, diagnosis and treatment. Prevention also applies to finding problems early on in order to prevent the need for more invasive treatments which can be avoided with early detection. Thermography fills that purpose.
Is It Covered By Insurance?
This is almost always the first question. Thermography is not currently covered by insurance. Legislation was introduced this year in Connecticut to mandate that insurance companies cover this testing. As with many first attempts at legislative changes, it did not make it all the way through the process although there is significant support from the representatives. Thermography is no more expensive than a mammogram and may detect abnormalities in breast tissue before mammograms and ultrasounds. The insurance companies could consider covering this without legislation, and should, as the early detection of abnormal cells means a less aggressive treatment plan, which can save the insurance companies millions by averting the need for cancer care treatments, not to mention less suffering and better outcome for the patient. I’m sure the legislation will be sent through again and again until it becomes law. But ladies, please don’t wait for legislation. It took medicine 40 years to decide that penicillin was a good idea. This technology that can help us discover early-on if we have an issue that needs to be addressed is available and affordable now.
Don’t Just Take My Word For It:
Huffinton post Oct 2010
“The Best Breast Test: The Promise of Thermography”, Christiane Northrup, MD.
Every year when Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) comes around I am saddened and surprised that thermography hasn’t become more popular. Part of this is my mindset. I’d rather focus on breast health and ways to prevent breast cancer at the cellular level than put the emphasis on testing and retesting until you finally do find something to poke, prod, cut out or radiate. That’s why I call October Breast Health Awareness Month, not Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I understand that mammography has been the gold standard for years. Doctors are the most familiar with this test, and many believe that a mammogram is the best test for detecting breast cancer early. But it’s not. Studies show that a thermogram identifies precancerous or cancerous cells earlier, and produces unambiguous results, which cuts down on additional testing – and it doesn’t hurt the body. Isn’t this what women really want?
Related Links:
Dr. Mercola on Thermography: http://www.youtube.com/user/mercola?blend=1&ob=5#p/ search/0/2_jlvXZyOrg
www.thermographyonline.org
To schedule an appointment for Thermography at Dr. Aresco’s office call 860-829-0707. Ann Aresco, ND, ProNatural Physicians Group LLC. 355 New Britain Rd., Kensington, CT 06037.