Perhaps the most important point that is never mentioned is that breast cancer risk is largely modifiable. Only 10-15 % or less of breast cancer cases have any genetic component, which means that 85-90% of risk has to do with other factors; diet, stress, and environmental factors being among the most important.

This is why Thermography, or Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging is a benefit because it offers much earlier detection of breast abnormalities, than is possible with self-exam, doctor exam, or mammography. Thermography is a lesser known, but increasingly popular screening test that works by imaging thermal patterns on the skin. The procedure is a 15-minute noninvasive test of physiology. It is valuable for alerting your doctor to changes that can indicate early-stage breast disease. A thermogram does not do the same thing as a mammogram. It does not “see” tumors. It is a physiology test measuring subtle differences in skin temperature that can be associated with an underlying tumor (as well as other pathology). It is important that women know about this option!

It has some advantages that a mammogram does not, including the ability to detect physiology changes in a cancer while it is still in the cellular phase—sometimes years before it is detectable with a mammogram. It is especially appropriate for younger women who have dense breast tissue and do not get mammograms. It offers these younger women a valuable imaging tool that they can add to their regular breast health check-ups beginning with baseline imaging at age 20.

Thermography is different. It allows time to adjust diet, beliefs, and lifestyle to transform your abnormal cells before they become cancerous. Thermography can detect lymphatic congestion and hormonal imbalances as well as monitor dietary changes. It can assess breast cancer risk, which is also something mammography cannot do. In short, thermography is a tool to monitor breast health, not just a way to find disease! And there is no radiation or breast compression involved so it is safe for pregnant and nursing women.

Thermography can detect the subtle physiological changes that accompany breast pathology, whether it be cancer, fibrocystic disease, an infection, or a vascular disease. With lifestyle changes improvement can be seen on a follow- up thermogram scans.  A doctor could give a follow up program to further diagnose or monitor during and after any treatment.

It is not a replacement for mammography. But for women who do not wish to have mammograms, it is a great option. If a body were heading in the direction of developing breast cancer, wouldn’t it be extremely important to know that before the tumor formed, instead of finding out after there is a tumor?

Thermography provides a practical benefit to the public and to the medical profession. Breast thermography screening is an adjunctive test to mammography, ultrasound and MRI and is specialized physiological test designed to detect angiogenesis, hyperthermia from nitric oxide, estrogen dominance, lymph abnormality and inflammatory processes including inflammatory breast disease, all of which cannot be detected with structural tests.

It is good to understand what we want to do with your body. We all have choices. Many women do not feel well informed about their breast options before they are forced to decide. A decision should be made after reaching a conclusive direction or focus and passing judgement on an issue. Medical considerations are only part of the equation. Your choice may affect how you want to live, survive, or thrive.

As more women learn about alternatives and find they work, especially for early detection with thermography, they feel relief in knowing they are ahead of the game! They are taking responsibility for their health, and when they trust that they have made the right choice, it works. Trusting in our inner knowing is extremely powerful. There is a lot of data that states about 85 percent of breast cancer is caused by another factor than hereditary.

Excerpt taken from my book “Breast Health Is in Your Hands, Tips for Breast Vitality and Sensuality.”