The currently recommended series used for screening mammography exposes the breast tissue to potentially harmful radiation doses.
As you make your decision about having a screening mammogram, you should know that we now have evidence that the biologic effect of the radiation used in mammography is higher than previously believed. Most would reassure you that the dose is negligible; however, one must factor in several additional issues:
1. Mammography is repeated frequently.
2. In the US – radiologists typically perform 2 views per breast – doubling the dose.
3. The current guidelines for screening mammograms were based on the assumption that the
biologic effect of the radiation was the same as the higher energy x-rays like those used in
chest x-rays. Recent articles demonstrate the biologic effect of mammographic x-rays is
actually 2-5 times greater (see Radiation Research 162, 120–127 (2004) and International.
Journal Radiation Biology (2002, vol. 78, no. 12, 1065-1067). This would make each
mammogram more comparable to 14-35 chest x-rays
Younger women desperately need more than the status quo
In his article Beyond Mammography, Len Saputo, MD points out that the most devastating loss of life from breast cancer occurs between the ages of 30-50. The breast is not only more sensitive to radiation during this period but the mammograms are less useful due to the increased breast density. The minimal effectiveness of screening mammography as well as the complications of false positives and radiation exposure requires us to develop a better approach. A new tool is needed to help women, especially young women, and this is where thermal imaging comes in.
The benefits of thermal imaging
Thermal imaging (aka Thermography or Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging - DITI) is a powerful tool which enhances the ability to detect breast changes and can enable earlier cancer detection.
WHAT IS DITI?
Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging ‘DITI’ is a 15 minute non invasive test of physiology. The benefit of DITI testing is that it offers the opportunity of earlier detection of breast disease than has been possible through breast self examination, doctor examination or mammography alone. DITI detects the subtle physiologic changes that accompany breast pathology, whether it is cancer, fibrocystic disease, an infection or a vascular disease.
PROCEDURE
This first session provides the baseline of your “thermal signature”. A subsequent session assures that the patterns remain unchanged.
WHO
All women can benefit from DITI breast screening. However, it is especially appropriate for younger women (30 - 50) whose denser breast tissue makes it more difficult for mammography to be effective. Also for women of all ages who, for many reasons, are unable to undergo routine mammography. This test can provide a 'clinical marker' to the doctor or mammographer that a specific area of the breast needs particularly close examination.
A Suggested Wellness Oriented Recommendations for Breast Imaging
Wellness Recommendation: Use breast thermal imaging to safely identify those at the highest risk.
Rational mammography: Mammography should be used selectively to follow up abnormal exams rather than as a routine screen.
Mammograms will continue to have a role in evaluating breast health; however, this role may best reserved to complement thermal images that suggest changes and warrant further evaluation.
Prevention of Breast Cancer
Progesterone: We have multiple studies which lead us to conclude that Progesterone plays a powerful role in preventing cancer:
1. The higher the level of progesterone, the lower the rate of breast cancer in premenopausal
women High progesterone levels were associated with 1/8 risk of breast cancer.
2. Women with normal progesterone levels had 1/5 the rate of cancer deaths seen in
progesterone-deficient anovulatory women.
3. Progesterone has been documented to activate the p53 gene which is involved in preventing
cell division.
4. Progesterone has been documented to kill breast cancer cells in the lab. For more on the
importance on hormones, please see my July 20, 2008 posting.
Vitamin D at optimal levels is associated with a 50% lower all-cause death rate.
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