Unreliable breast examination

Medical thermography is a method based on the idea that diseased tissue, a cancerous tumor for example, is warmer than healthy tissue. Cancer cells multiply faster than healthy cells. They consume more nutrients that are supplied through tiny blood vessels. These blood vessels increase the heat of the tumor. Medical thermography is trending in several countries and is promoted as a safe, reliable and radiation-free method for breast screening. Young women who are not yet eligible for screening are encouraged via social media to have their breasts monitored with thermography.

The ultra-sensitive cameras used in these centers would be able to register very small temperature differences and thus expose hotspots. However, before such a camera picks up a temperature difference, the cancer must already be sufficiently large. The breast cancer is usually at an advanced stage by then. Still, these medical thermography centers charge around 250 euros for one breast examination. Because there is very much doubt about the usefulness of this method, it is not reimbursed by the health insurance fund. In the United States, medical thermography as a method of cancer detection has been openly rejected*. More so, authorities warn that thermography is not suitable for detecting breast cancer, due to being too inaccurate. Traditional screening mammography is by far the best method for early detection of breast cancer. The radioactive radiation released in this process is very limited and should not be a cause for concern.

Alarms

As a young woman, are you worried about breast cancer but not yet invited to the population screening? Then it is extra important to know the alarm signs for breast cancer, do regular self-examination, and if you notice a change that worries you, consult your family doctor or gynecologist. Most breast cancers are self-detected by alert women. Are you one of those alert types or do you prefer to stick your head in the sand? Take Pink Ribbon s free online self-test and learn how high your risk is of not detecting breast cancer in time.

Take the Mammo Quiz

* https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/breast-cancer-screening-thermogram-no-substitute-mammogram