Breast Exams Without the Squeeze!

By Dr. Priya Joshi

Digital Infrared Breast Thermography is a sensitive, non-invasive method of effective screening for detecting early functional changes in breast tissue. Thermography measures heat radiating from the breast, chest, and armpit areas. Usually, abnormal cells like cancer cells, release more heat to feed their rapid growth.

What can Breast Thermography provide that Mammography cannot?

Mammograms detect structural changes. A lump or mass is already present in breast tissue by the time a problem is detected. The lump is further investigated by ultrasound and/or biopsy to diagnose the nature of the lump.

Breast Thermography detects functional changes in the breast tissue without radiation, compression, contact, or needles.

Thermography can be used for women of all ages, and all breast types – young, fibrocystic breasts, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, if the woman has breast implants, and if she is on hormone replacement therapy or the birth control pill.

Thermography has the potential to detect problems five to eight years before an abnormality can be seen with mammography. The early detection of abnormal tissue activity makes breast thermography extremely useful and cost-effective as a screening tool. The non-invasive nature of thermography, as well as the absence of harmful rays being emitted, allows for repeated scans.

Dr. Priya Joshi is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing at the London West Health Centre. Priya has a well-rounded practice with a focus on children's and women's health, breast and hormonal health, infertility, and pre- and post-natal care. Dr. Joshi can be contacted at (519) 471-1917 or email doctorpriya@rogers.com.

Published in Networking Today, September 2005.