Breast Thermography

EARLY DETECTION IS SO VALUABLE IN TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER

Early breast cancer detection is the best defense against breast cancer. "Thermography is the best means for the early detection of potential cancerous growths, life threatening tumors, and abnormalities in breast tissue".

Breast Thermography, also known as Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI), is an emerging radiation-free, non-toxic, non-invasive, contact-free, symptom-free diagnostic screening procedure that increasing numbers of women are using in their arsenal for the early detection of cancer and other breast disease.

The temperature variations detected using breast thermography may be among the earliest signs of breast cancer and/or a pre-cancerous state. Breast thermography can detect abnormalities before the onset of a malignancy, as early as ten years before being recognized by other procedures. It can take 5 to 10 years for a cancerous tumor to develop and become large enough to be detected by a mammogram. Its accuracy is also impressive, with false negative and False positive rates at 9% for each. A mammogram is a test of anatomy; detecting structural change (like lumps and cysts, for example) but only once it has grown large enough to detect. A thermogram is a test of physiology that detects functional changes (like a change in blood flow or lymphatic congestion) in the breast tissue this can be seen in the early stages when we can make the biggest change in a positive outcome. The infrared technique is a valuable complement to understanding overall breast health before problems arise. Thermography is also an effective way to establish a baseline for comparison with future scans; therefore, women should begin screening by the age of 25. If a women is under therapy this is a way to monitor changes in the breast response to the protocol of treatment. Many doctors are using this tool for this very purpose.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST THERMOGRAPHY/THERMAL IMAGING?

Breast thermography is the choice for any woman, regardless of age or breast size, who seeks a pain free procedure to screen for breast cancer.
Any woman/man, practitioner/client seeking early warning signs or to visualize a health condition, i.e., chronic pain, or monitor the impact of treatment on physiology.
All women at least age 20, regardless of family history, to access their risk of developing breast cancer.

IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR THERMAL IMAGING:

of age (under 40); dense, fibrocystic, or large breasts; HRT, implants, or surgical reaction.
they are pre-menopausal, nursing or pregnant, or cannot tolerate radiation exposure, but need breast imaging.
women who just want peace of mind

CAUSES OF BREAST CANCER

The American Cancer Society says women are at risk for breast cancer if they:

began menstruating before age 12
have not born children o bore their first child after age 30
stopped menstruating after age 50
have a personal history or family history of breast cancer
have a personal history of radiation exposure to the chest, or cannot tolerate radiation
are currently taking or have recently taken hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
are obese
women with dense or large breasts
more common in women over the age of 50
recent research suggests that women who start smoking regularly within five years of the onset of their menstrual periods are 70% more likely to develop breast cancer before the age of 50 than non-smokers
alcohol consumption contributes to the risk of breast cancer, with women who consume three drinks a day having a 40% increased risk of this disease
oral contraceptives: increase risks slightly, if used over many years

(AN ABNORMAL INFRARED IMAGE IS 10 TIMES MORE SIGNIFICANT AS AN INDICATOR AND WARNING SIGN THAN FAMILY HISTORY.)

PREPARATION FOR DITI (Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging) BREAST SCREENING

No sun bathing of the area to be photographed five days prior to the exam.
No use of lotions, creams, powders or makeup on the body area to be imaged the day of the exam.
For upper body imaging, no use of deodorants or antiperspirants the day of the exam.
If any body area included in the images are to be shaved, this should be done the evening before the exam or at lease six hours prior to examination.
No physical therapy, EMS, TENS, CT, ultrasound treatment, acupuncture, chiropractic, physical stimulation, hot or cold pack use for 24 hours prior to the exam.
No exercise six hours prior to the exam.
Avoid eating (or drinking anything but water) for at last two hours prior to the exam.
If bathing, it must be at least two hours prior to the exam.
When possible and if not contraindicated by your doctor, avoid the use of pain medications and vasoactive drugs, i.e., alfa blockers the day of the exam. You must consult with our doctor before changing the use of any medications.
For breast imaging; if you are nursing, pleas try to nurse as far from one hour prior to the exam as possible.

DURING THE TEST

There is no physical contact with the patient, who stands several feet away from the camera while a technician takes a series of images. As the imaging takes only seconds to generate, they may be able to view the displayed images and give explanations regarding all the breast-related findings in the report.

A second set of images is taken following a "cold challenge". The patient places her hands in ice-cold water for one minute causing healthy tissue to constrict while the abnormal tumor tissue remains hot. The infrared scanner easily distinguishes the difference, and these images are compared with the first set for confirmation. As the imaging takes only seconds to generate, the Doctor will be able to be view the displayed images and give explanations regarding all the breast-related findings in the thermography report shortly after.

The entire appointment lasts 30 minutes. Within 7-10 days, one color copy of the images together with a full report of all findings mailed out to the patients home.

The results will either assist in diagnosis (in conjunction with other diagnostic findings) or in establishing of a baseline pattern to which all future thermo grams will be compared. Any changes indicating departure from this baseline will warrant further investigation or treatment. As with all other diagnostic tests, there is never a 100% guarantee of detection of a lesion, although DITI has been proven to be overall extremely sensitive in comparison with other breast exams. For further studies see Link breast thermography.com

THE FACTS ON BREAST CANCER

A woman's breast is made up of milk glands and milk ducts, surrounded by fatty tissue and connective supports. Uncontrolled growth of cells in any of these breast tissues can cause breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. It tends to occur at an earlier age than do other cancers or heart attacks and strokes. Chances of developing breast cancer rise dramatically as women age: at age 25, the chances of getting the disease are less than 1 in 1,000; at age 50, the incidence has gone up to 1 in 63 women, and at age 75, it's 1 in 15. Breast cancer is rare in men, accounting for about 3% of all cases.

DR. JOHN TOLMOSOFF, D.C.

Dr. Chapman served as the first president and founder of the California Thermographic Society which expanded and became the International Academy of Clinical Thermology. Dr. Chapman has written eleven text books and over 35 articles (published in various professional and trade magazines) on Thermography, Clinical Practice, and Workers Compensation. Chapman developed the first CCE approved course in Thermology in the U.S.A. and authored many of the techniques, protocols and diagnostic principals that are considered standard within the industry.

Dr. Tolmosoff began practicing thermography because "If we can see patterns before cancer appears it's an alarm clock women can listen to for healthy change". In 1989 Dr. John Tolmosoff began his studies of Clinical Thermography under Dr. George Chapman, D.C., D.I.C.A.C.T., D.I.A.C.T., F.I.A.C.T. Since 2005 Dr. John Tolmosoff has been entrusted with taking over the care of Dr. Chapman's patients and is the head of clinical thermography at the Imperial Beach Wellness Center and continues to work, give lectures & presentations with Dr. Chapman.