Thermography Not Recommended as Primary Breast Cancer Screening Method
In the United States, thermography is not certified as a primary method for breast cancer screening. The FDA and major medical societies recommend mammography as the standard method. Despite its non-invasive nature, thermography has significant limitations.
Thermography, also known as Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI), detects temperature differences on the breast surface. It uses infrared cameras to capture heat patterns and blood flow. However, it's not FDA-approved as a stand-alone screening tool. The FDA has only cleared its use as an adjunct to mammograms or another primary screening test.
In a study of over 10,000 women, nearly 72 percent of those who developed breast cancer had previously shown normal thermogram results. This highlights thermography's ineffectiveness as a primary screening tool. Moreover, it has a high false-positive rate, sometimes indicating cancer when none is present. It's also ineffective in corroborating cancer diagnoses in women who have been diagnosed.
Mammography, despite having false-positive results and sometimes missing cancers, remains the most effective method for early detection. It exposes patients to radiation, but it's more accurate than thermography at detecting breast cancer.
Thermography, while non-invasive, is not a suitable alternative to mammography for breast cancer screening. It's less accurate, has a high false-positive rate, and is not recommended as a primary screening tool. The cost of a breast thermogram varies, with an average range of $175-250, and Medicare does not cover it. Women should consult healthcare providers for reliable breast cancer screening methods.
