Mammograms have long been the primary diagnostic tool used in screening for breast cancer. Despite the fact that mammography can be uncomfortable, painful, and expose an individual to harmful radiation, mammography remains the primary means of diagnosis. In addition to there being adjunct and/or alternative tests that can be run like MRI, ultrasound, and thermography, researchers are finding new information that may shed some light on the drawbacks of mammograms.
An article featured in the New York Times, (click here to read the full article) outlines a study done over 25 years with 90,000 women as its subjects. Among the many things this study uncovered, was the fact that, “The death rate from breast cancer was the same in both groups[women who had a mammogram and women who had no mammogram], but 1 in 424 women who had mammograms received unnecessary cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.”
While you should always consult your primary healthcare provider in matters concerning breast cancer screening, breast cancer testing, and breast cancer prevention, you can always ask about other screening methods like Thermography that are non-invasive, pain free, and radiation free. Regular self exams are also an important part of screening for breast cancer. After all, you know your body best and can alert your physician to any changes you notice.
For information regarding the services offered at Thermographic Diagnostic Imaging like breast cancer screening by way of thermogram, please visit our website here.
