Is There Another Way to Check Breast Health?

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of having a breast thermogram. What is that you ask? Well, it’s a super simple and non-invasive way to check out breast health. I’ve been getting them done for several years now. When I found out that the mammograms I was getting had a hard time telling the difference between tumors and dense breast tissue I knew I needed more information about my breast health.

So what is a Thermogram?

[tweetthis]”Thermography uses sophisticated infrared cameras and computer systems to image heat patterns from the surface of breasts. Alterations in these images are caused when cellular changes increase blood flow (angiogenesis); thus, warming the breast. These thermovascular changes may be among the earliest signs of breast cancer.”[/tweetthis] (marinthermography.com)

It’s a bit Chilly in Here

Ok, here is what you do. You go into a cold room and disrobe from the waist up. This is my least favorite thing about it. Then you sit around for 10 minutes with your hands on your hips and then another 5 minutes with your hands on your head. You then have a few “photos” taken of your breasts and you’re done.

A Note about Mammograms

If you do have a mammogram, please remember to ask them for a thyroid guard. They will not offer it and if you have any deficiency in your thyroid, it will just soak up that radiation. And that’s not a good thing for your thyroid.

What does Breast Thermography have to Offer?

According to Donna Marie Scippa’s website MarinThermography.com. She is a great resource so if you don’t live in the area and you’re interested in having a thermogram done, she is the person to connect with.

  • Some of the earliest signs that a breast cancer may be forming. Angiogenesis, or new blood vessel formation, is necessary to sustain the growth of a tumor. Breast thermography may be the first signal that such a possibility is developing.
  • Individualized breast cancer risk assessment. Certain thermographic risk markers may warn a woman that she needs to work closely with her doctor to improve her breast health.
    Monitoring with regular check-ups and thermography will look for improvements with time or possibly the earliest signs that a problem may exist.
  • A possible role in breast cancer prevention. Since the single greatest risk factor for the development of breast cancer is lifetime exposure to estrogen, normalizing the balance of the hormones in the breast may be an important step in prevention.
  • Imaging for younger women — 15% of all breast cancers occur in women under 45. Breast thermography offers younger women a valuable imaging tool that they can add to their regular breast health check-ups beginning with baseline imaging at age 20.

Grab the New Book!