Thermography: Is this Test a Good Alternative to Mammograms?

Over the weekend, the topic of using thermography testing as a viable and reliable alternative to breast cancer screening via mammograms was raised.  Here is my response: "No, not yet."

If you research the topic of thermography breast cancer screening, you'll see lots and lots of claims about the safety of thermography and the dangers of mammography.  As one who prefers to rely on facts and good scientific research, I can tell you that any research that the "thermography people" claim as proof of their position is shaky to nonexistent.  My father used to like to tell me that in life, you'll find that, "Figures don't lie, but liars figure."  I'm sorry to say, that this is the case when it comes to thermography.  Let's do a little fact finding.

1.  Thermography proponents say that it is approved by the FDA for use in breast cancer screening.  That is partially true.  It is FDA approved in conjunction with mammograms, only.

2.  Thermographic studies result in many false positives and is highly non-specific.  The reason for this is that temperature changes follow blood flow and angiogenesis (development of blood vessels). There are many conditions that can result in increased blood flow to the breasts, including hormonal changes, pregnancy, fibroids, fatty tumors and the like.

3.  There have been no long term randomized clinical trials as to the efficacy of thermography.  This is really important as it will show whether or not thermography could become a viable alternative to mammograms.  We simply do not know that right now and a woman's life is nothing to trifle with.

4.  The only situation that I could think of that might warrant a women getting a thermography screening as her only choice would be for those under the age of 45.  Recently, the age guidelines were changed for recommendations for a woman's first mammogram.  That also means that insurance wouldn't pay for the test for the younger woman unless she tested positive for the breast cancer gene or she had a family history of the disease.  Then, if the thermography was positive, she could go to her doctor with the results and hopefully get her insurance to pay for further testing.

Please, don't be swayed by marketing and hype.  Thermography should never be used as the only method for breast cancer screening unless and until it has been conclusively shown to be as accurate as present day methods.

Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com