Breast Thermography
Here at Center for Holistic Health, Nutrition, and Vacaville Thermography, our goal is to identify the earliest signs of breast tissue changes because women across Northern California can benefit from Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) breast screening. Thermography is useful for all women, beginning at age 18, regardless of age, body type, breast characteristics, nursing mothers, and women with breast implants. For instance, younger women (30-50) typically have denser breast tissue. This makes it more difficult for mammography to be effective. Women who may have other reasons for being unable to undergo routine mammography will also benefit. More importantly, this test may provide a “clinical marker” to the doctor or mammographer that a specific area of the breast needs particularly close examination.
What is Safe Breast Cancer Screening?
According to the International Academy of Clinical Thermology, thermography detects, records, and produces an image (thermogram) of a patient’s skin surface temperatures and/or thermal patterns. The equipment can provide representations of temperature patterns. In addition, the American Academy of Thermology wants to reiterate that its Guidelines clearly state Breast Thermography is a Breast Risk Assessment. It should NOT be used as a standalone assessment. It is an adjunctive evaluation to other structural breast imaging studies such as Mammography, Ultrasound, and MRI.
Thermography does not entail the use of ionizing radiation, venous access, or other invasive procedures; therefore, the examination poses no harm to the patient.
Clinical thermography is an acceptable analytical procedure that may be performed by a doctor or technician who has been adequately trained and certified by a recognized organization. The interpretation of the thermal images are made only by a health care provider who is formally trained in clinical diagnosis and holds credentials as board certified clinical thermographer from a recognized organization. This is meant to insure that directed care and proper follow-up recommendations will be made available to the patient if warranted by the interpretation of the images. Christine has gone through the extensive training and earned her certification through the International Academy of Clinical Thermology.
Digital Infrared Imaging
Infrared Breast Imaging, commonly referred to as breast thermography, is a radiation-free, safe, and highly accurate tool that can detect signs of breast disease long before it is detected with self exams or mammography.
Research shows that there are many natural, non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive, safe, and effective approaches that can significantly lower a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. We look forward to your visit and supporting you in your breast health.
Breast Thermography Pricing
- Five view breast screening, consult, doctor interpretation $220
- Five view breast screening and interpretation for students and seniors $180
- Full Body Scan $350
- Three view cranial screening with doctor interpretation $100
Christine Andrew, CNC, FMP, CTT has completed the necessary training and earned her certificate as a Thermography Technician and brings an inspiring and holistic approach to women’s health, and sees Infrared Imaging as a powerful tool in assisting women in making pro-active choices in breast health.
Patient Resources
Intro to Breast Thermography
Dr Kane outlines what we are seeing on a breast thermogram and how that information is used to determine a risk rating.
Differences Between Thermography and Mammography
Dr Kane explains the differences between thermography and mammography and why we don’t recommend using a thermogram as a replacement for a mammogram.
Applications Monitoring Adjunctive Screening
Dr Kane outlines how breast thermography is used in the process of screening for breast cancer.
- Screening – Looks for signs of existing breast disease.
- Adjunctive – Used in addition to other tests rather than by itself.
Help detect signs of breast disease missed by other tests
Applications Monitoring Surveilance
Dr Kane describes how thermography can be used to monitor breast physiology for the following purposes:
- Help determine the effectiveness of risk reduction interventions.
- Assist breast cancer detection by comparing findings over time.
- Help monitor an existing condition over time.
Applications Risk Assessment
Dr Kane describes risk assessment through thermography and how it can assist in detection and possible prevention of breast cancer.
- Risk Assessment – risk for developing disease in the future based on one’s individual physiology.
- Benefits: Better coordination of screening tests.
- Opportunity to take actions designed to lower risk and get feedback on their effectiveness.
Breast Thermography Results TH 1 and TH 2
Dr Kane explains the significance of a low risk rating.
- Low risk for current breast disease
- Low risk to develop breast disease
- Caveat: Low risk findings do not delay or negate the need for other screening or testing such as clinical exam, breast radiology or breast biopsy
Breast Thermography Results TH 3
Dr Kane explains the significance of a medium risk rating.
- Medium risk for current breast disease
- Medium risk to develop breast disease
- Caveat: Some benign conditions can cause medium risk ratings. Correlation of these findings with other tests is needed to determine the cause.
Breast Thermography Results TH 4 and TH 5
Dr Kane explains the significance of a high risk rating.
- High risk for current breast disease
- High risk to develop breast disease
- Follow up testing is always necessary. If nothing is detected, this is an opportunity to take control of your breast health and take actions to lower your risk.
Breast Thermography Results – Hormonal Grade
Dr Kane explains the significance of the hormonal grade for estrogen activity.
Disclaimer: Dr. Robert Kane received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1991 and is board certified in clinical thermography. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. These videos are for general informational purposes only . It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Kane and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.