Early detection saves lives

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer for South Africans, with 1 in 25 having a lifetime risk.  And while the chances of breast cancer may increase with age, younger women are increasingly also being diagnosed with breast cancer.

There are many factors that come into play when assessing your personal risk but the one fact that no woman can afford to ignore is that early detection saves lives and regular screening is vitally important.

What is thermography?

Thermography or Thermal Imaging is a methodology that uses a specialised camera and software to measure inflammation or heat patterns in body tissue.   Breast thermography analyses these thermal patterns to assess diagnostic indications related to the risk of breast cancer. Unlike mammography, MRI and ultrasound, which reveal anatomical characteristics, thermography is an indicator of physiological function.

What are the benefits of thermography?

Breast thermography is a pain-free, safe, and non-invasive imaging technique. There is no touching or compression of the breast and perhaps most importantly, there is no use of potentially dangerous radiation.  Thermography is also suitable for all ages and all types of breasts, easily able to discern between healthy dense breast tissue and suspicious tissue and is also suitable for individuals with breast implants.

Can thermography diagnose cancer?

No, thermography is not a method of diagnosing cancer but rather a screening methodology to assist in identifying risk factors associated with breast cancer. By identifying risk factors at an early stage, corrective steps can then be taken to bring about a healthier lifestyle and reduce these risk factors.

How are thermographic images interpreted?

All images are sent to the US to be interpreted by medical professionals using Spatial Thermal Imaging© (STI). With resolution comparable to MRI, STI virtually peels away tissue to reveal subcutaneous anatomical details from a standard thermographic image.

STI is an essential addition to traditional breast thermography, as it reveals the underlying causes of previously unexplained thermal signs associated with early breast cancer. As such, STI dramatically enhances the value and credibility of the standard thermography examination. (If you’d like to read more about this new, lifesaving technique, visit www.thermeval.com)