Recently, I read an article by Dr. Sherri Tenpenny on breast augmentation. This is what she said and I’m glad there is an alternative method available to detect breast cancer for women with breast implants.
Breast augmentation surgery is the most common cosmetic surgery in America. It is estimated that more than 4 million women have undergone breast implant surgery in the U.S. According to the Mayo Clinic breast implants may decrease the ability of mammograms to identify cancer because they can obscure a tumor. Depending on which studies are cited, it’s estimated that implants can obscure more than 50% of breast tissue.
The difference comes down to where they are placed. Those inserted below the chest muscle (about 50%) are less likely to obscure tissue than those placed above. Both silicone and gel implants look like white blobs on the x-ray and may prevent a view of the tissue below. In all cases, instead of the two standard views taken for each breast, four views are taken…adding up to more radiation. The risk of rupture during mammography, although small, is real.
The use of thermography in women who have breast implants is an area that deserves intense investigation. I have seen several women in my office that refused mammograms because they had implants. One woman’s thermogram was very abnormal and with much coaxing, she was convinced to obtain a mammogram. Unfortunately, she was found to have cancer in both breasts.
Could this have been detected earlier if she had obtained regular mammograms? Quite possibly. But if women are going to refuse mammograms (for whatever reason, not just because they have implants), at the very least, they should get a thermogram. We need to redefine the meaning of Early Detection.
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.