Most women are familiar with mammography as our
"gold standard" for breast cancer screening. However, there are
additional tools available that women can add to their arsenal.
One of the most effective tools in breast cancer
screening is breast self-exam (BSE). However, BSE works best when women
are appropriately trained in the procedure, and then followed-up with
annual clinical breast exams (CBE) from their physicians. In a 2000
University of Toronto study, approximately 20,000 women were screened
for breast cancer with BSE and annual CBE, and 20,000 were screened
with BSE and mammograms. After more than 10 years, the BSE and annual
CBE reported 610 cases of invasive breast cancer, and 105 deaths. In
the BSE and mammogram group, there were 622 cases of invasive breast
cancer and 107 deaths. Without question, the first line of defense
against breast cancer begins with diligent BSE.
Other tools that are available to women include
the AMAS (anti-malignan antibody screen) test and the NMP Nuclear
matrix protein) test. Both these are blood tests that measure a certain
protein in the blood that may indicate cancer. The AMAS test has been
around for several years while the NMP test has not been available
until only recently. Clinical trials continue in this area.
One additional tool that may detect an issue early
is digital infrared thermal imaging or DITI. In 1982, the FDA approved
thermography as an adjunctive tool for breast cancer screening. DITI
measures heat emitted from the body and is accurate to 1/100th of a
degree. DITI examines physiology, NOT structure. It is in this capacity
that DITI can monitor breast HEALTH over time and alert a patient or
physician to a developing problem; possibly before a lump can be seen
on X-ray or palpated clinically. There are no test limitations such as
breast density. DITI is a non-invasive test that does not emit
radiation.
The unique characteristics of cancer allow DITI to
detect breast cancer at an earlier stage of growth. As cancer is
developing, it builds its own blood supply which is then reflected as
increased heat in that particular region of the breast. DITI has a
specificity of 83%; which reflects a problem in its early stages of
development not late-stage cancer as in mammography. An abnormal
thermogram carries a 10-times greater risk for cancer and a
persistently abnormal thermogram carries a 22-times greater risk for
cancer.
Clinical research studies continue to support
thermography’s role as an adjunctive tool in breast cancer screening
and the ONLY tool that measures breast health over time. There are now
more than 800 publications on over 300,000 women in clinical trials. A
recent finding published in the American Journal of Radiology in 2003
showed that thermography has 99% sensitivity in identifying breast
cancer with single examinations and limited views. Scientists concluded
that a negative thermogram is powerful evidence that cancer is not
present.
Thermographic screening is not covered by most
insurance companies but is surprisingly affordable for most people. For
more information or to find a certified clinic in your area, go to www.proactivehealthonline.com.
About The Author
Brenda Witt is co-owner of Proactive Health
Solutions in Southern California. She has worked in the medical field
for 9 years and is now an American College of Clinical Thermology
(ACCT) certified thermographer in the Orange County area. To contact
Brenda, email her at brenda@proactivehealthonline.com. | 