Breast Cancer Awareness

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

When breast cancer starts out, it is too small to feel and does not cause signs and symptoms. As it grows, however, breast cancer can cause changes in how the breast looks or feels. Symptoms may include—

New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
Pain in any area of the breast.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Most women should have their first mammogram at age 40 and then have another mammogram every one or two years.

What is breast thermal imaging (infrared breast imaging) screening?

Breast thermography also known as infrared breast imaging, is a clinical diagnostic procedure which uses highly specialized infrared cameras to measure the heat coming from the body, in this case, the breast. Thermography has been approved for this purpose for many years by the US FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) and in the past two years (2001-2002) many new doctors and technicians have entered the field.

With the rise in breast thermography popularity comes the chance of your having an examination performed by non-certified or properly trained practitioners. There are also many individuals who are promoting thermography simply to build there practices, sell vitamins or other health services, and so care must be exercised when selecting a thermographic lab. Why the fuss? Because thermography is an unregulated industry with no mandatory certification requirements. This brief paper has been written to assist you in separating the wheat from the chaff and finding the truths behind thermal imaging.

How Accurate is Thermography (infrared breast imaging) of the Breast?

Breast thermography is very accurate, but only in the hands of trained personnel using the correct type of thermography cameras. The accuracy of the examination varies around the world but varies from 87%-96% depending on old the literature is. The 96% reference is from 1999, the most recent published approved study. (USC Norris Cancer Center, Parisky, MD et al)

How is Breast Thermography Performed?

It is very important that proper protocols are used when performing breast thermograms. Because thermography, or Thermal Imaging, measures heat, it is important that the patient (subject) be in a thermal "Steady-State" to insure that extraneous heat is removed from the body prior to the examination.

Where can I go to get screened?

Most likely, you can get screened for breast cancer at a clinic, hospital, or doctor's office. If you want to be screened for breast cancer, call your doctor's office. They can help you schedule an appointment. Most health insurance companies pay for the cost of breast cancer screening tests.

Are you worried about the cost? The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) offers free or low-cost mammograms. To find out if you qualify, call your local program.

Where Can I Get More Information on Quality Breast Thermography?

It is vital, that you get good information and quality study if you are to be properly evaluated and if the thermal imaging industry is to survive the current wave of interest, and accompanying unqualified people entering the field simply to make money. Until such time as regulatory methods have been put in place, you must be careful of who performs and interprets thermographic studies.

International Academy of Clinical Thermology

How can I lower my risk of breast cancer?

Control your weight and exercise.
Know your family history of breast cancer. If you have a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer, ask your doctor what is your risk of getting breast cancer and how you can lower your risk.
Find out the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Can men get breast cancer?

Men can also get breast cancer, but it is not very common. For every 100 cases of breast cancer, less than 1 is in men.

Data source:

U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999-2005 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2009. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/uscs.