How to increase breast health with Thermal Imaging.
Breast disease strikes fear in the hearts of all women. Most have known someone who has been treated for or worse, has died from the disease. Historically, certain breast disease was diagnosed after a woman sought medical attention for soreness or a palpable mass. Annual Thermal Imaging helps to determine subtle functional changes within the tissues before an issue gets out of hand. But of course the best idea is not early detection; it is not getting breast disease at all.
What else can be done?
Thermography, is painless, non-invasive and uses no radiation. The scan detects thermal patterns not seen by any other tool. It is of particular value to women starting at 40 years of age. It is especially beneficial for women with dense breasts or with breast implants.
Abnormal cells require a steady supply of nutrients for rapid growth. A process called angiogenesis draws blood vessels in the direction of the atypical cell, rapidly growing cells. More blood flow through the area delivers more heat. The increased temperatures deep within the tissues is transmitted through a process called convection to the surface of the skin where the subtle temperature differences can be detected by infrared scanning.
Skin surface temperature in most persons is symmetrical. A variation of more than 0.3° C from side to side can indicate a problem. A temperature variation of more than 1.0°C detected by infrared scanning is suggestive of the presence of pre-cancerous cells. Most importantly, this finding can be present up to 7 years before a mass is detectable by mammography and up to 10 years before a becomes palpable. but Thermal Imaging does not replace mammograms, it can simply show earlier changes.
The Thermal Imaging procedure
After disrobing to the waist, approximately 15 minutes is needed in a temperature controlled room for the skin to equilibrate to room temperature. An experienced technician performs three scans—front, left and right views—with arms extended over the head. When the scans are completed, the exam is over.
Interpretations are given a risk value, with scores ranging from low to high risk. The experts who review and interpret the scan include many risk factors in the assessment. If an abnormality is identified, pro-active steps can be taken and the progress of the program can be monitored with serial scans. Additional blood, urine or saliva tests may be recommended to assess iodine level, nutrient and hormone imbalances along with exercises and life-style coaching to help your body heal.
Basic recommendations include start with the following:
- Diet: Eliminate caffeine, chocolate, MSG, aspartame, and herbs that have estrogenic properties, especially non-fermented soy. Studies found that soy supplements can increase breast cancer risk, especially in post-menopausal women. In addition, eat organically grown foods as much as possible. Pesticides collect in fatty tissue, and the breast can become a reservoir for estrogenic chemicals. Limit alcohol as it depletes folic acid, a known risk factor for breast cancer.
- Exercise: Walking and arm swinging will get the lymphatics moving. Decongesting breast tissue reduces risks. Like lymphatic massage and rebounding.
- Supplements: Many have an effect on healing the breast tissue.
For women who are young, at high risk, have dense breasts, have breast implants or simply want to be more proactive about breast health and breast cancer prevention, a digital Thermal Imaging scan is the way to go.