Recently, I read an article by Dr. Sherri Tenpenny on mammograms vs. thermograms. This is what she said and I’m glad there is an alternative method available to detect breast cancer.
Many women today are concerned about the effects of accumulated radiation from routine mammograms. That concern is addressed by using 
thermography which involves no radiation and ultrasound when necessary.
People often wonder if a thermogram is better than a mammogram, or if they can get a painless thermogram instead of a painful mammogram. Though both tests are used to detect breast cancer, each test has a different purpose.
With thermography we do not have to rely on mammographies. And with the growing controversy on the radiation exposure from repeated mammographies, as well as the not insignificant percentage of false-negative results, thermographic screening becomes increasingly attractive. However, it is always important for women to do a thorough manual evaluation of their own breast tissue, and to have the practitioner do likewise.
A thermogram detects subtle heat changes that point to an area of evolving pathology in the breast. This may or may not be cancer. A mammogram is used to detect a mass that has already formed in the breast, often identified by a cluster of calcium specks. By the time a mammogram locates a tumor, it has been growing for at least 5 years.
Making the decision about getting a thermogram vs. a mammogram should be done with much discussion about risk factors, family history and lifestyle. For example, if you have had many years of normal mammograms, have no family history and have a great lifestyle coupled with a normal thermogram and a normal clinical exam, you may want to consider having a mammogram every three to four years and simply get an annual clinical exam and thermogram. However, if you have a very strong family history, drink alcohol and don’t take supplements, you may want to consider annual mammograms in addition to your annual exam and thermogram. If you have a very abnormal thermogram and you have not had a mammogram in several years, you must get a mammogram-and possibly an ultrasound-right away.
The most effective way to find breast cancer is to use all available tools as often as is necessary. For example, a clinical breast exam performed by highly trained fingers can identify 61% of tumors that turn out to be cancer. Adding a mammogram increases the ability to find a cancer up to 84%. Research done in Montreal in the mid ’90s demonstrated that adding a thermogram to a breast exam and a conventional mammogram increases the ability to find cancer early-and do something about it-up to 95%. Thermography is not just an either/or test; it is a value-added test that both you and your doctor should learn more about.
There are new options being presented to address many diseases and natural therapies are rising in interest. One of many things to consider is an option known as BodyTalk. BodyTalk is a safe option to help one address the emotional root aspects of this terrible disease. These sessions can be handled in person or long distance. Learn more today about BodyTalk.
Information is power when it comes to your health. Learn about other health considerations in the articles below. Breast Cancer and Cod Liver Oil, Mammogram Alternatives and Pandemonium over new Mammogram Guidelines.