MANILA, Philippines - Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it would be good to remember that the ideal is to detect breast cancer at its earliest stage. Apart from knowing how your breasts usually look and feel, regular self-breast examinations are recommended to check for unusual lumps or bumps. In addition, medical experts suggest clinical breast exams done by health professionals and a mammogram, ultrasound, or breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) every two years beginning at age 40. Early diagnosis of breast cancer means better chances of overcoming the disease.
One can opt for several breast cancer screening tests. In cases where there are breast implants, the MRI is the preferred examination because the test is excellent at imaging around breast implants and can accurately detect implant ruptures and leaked material. However, the exam is also more expensive, requires use of an injected contrast agent, and is not as widely available. And thus, a mammogram is the most important diagnostic method for women who are at any risk for breast cancer.
A mammogram, simply, is an x-ray examination to check for any changes in the breast tissue. The procedure entails that the breasts be placed against a firm panel, and pressure is applied with another panel so that the breast is compressed. The purpose of this is to spread out breast tissue so that it is well delineated and even small lesions can be detected. As women who have undergone mammograms can tell you, the procedure entails some discomfort or even pain. And while it is true that the mammogram uses low dose x-rays, one should not undertake the procedure too frequently. After all, the low-dose x-ray exposures add up. One must remember that the ironic thing about x-rays is that although it is used to diagnose and treat some cancers, it can also cause the disease.
Thus, women who prefer to constantly monitor their breast- wellness might consider thermography as a quick and safe alternative. The examination is described as “the application of Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) to take a picture of the surface heat of an object.” There are no risks associated with frequent testing, it is as easy as having your photograph taken, does not entail isolation in an enclosed space (as with the MRI) and, unlike the ultrasound, a thermogram does not involve physical contact with a probe.
The underlying principle behind breast thermography is simple: A thermogram takes a picture of the surface heat of the breasts and creates a visual representation of that image. Different colors represent specific ranges of temperature, where “hotspots” represent potential problem areas. “Pathologies identified by thermography are generally associated with blood perfusion,” the books tell us. That is, since abnormal and potentially cancerous lesions need blood vessels in order to grow, it is possible that a thermogram will detect the increased blood requirements of abnormal cellular activity even before a distinct tumor has formed.
In the Philippines, one center that focuses on breast thermography is the InfraMed Breast Thermography Center at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Results of breast thermograms done at InfraMed are read and interpreted by Dr. Robert Kane, a US-based expert in the field, and are available five to seven days after the test.
“But breast thermography is a procedure that is complementary to mammography. It should not be considered as an alternative or replacement,” stresses David Edmund Prout, chairman and CEO of Inframed Inc. “Thermography is a risk-assessment rather than a screening tool.” He continues, “Some forms of cancer cannot be detected by a thermogram. It can only be used to assess the likelihood that a mass exists or may exist in the future.’ He explains that having a breast thermogram and knowing that there are “hotspots” makes women more conscious that there is a potential problem. Consequently, they become more conscientious about having their regular mammograms, as well as instituting lifestyle changes to prevent the onset of disease.
“Thermography is an adjunct approach to detection,” agrees Jose Santiago de la Cruz, InfraMed president and chief operating officer. “The goal is to establish progressive, pro-active core groups that will be collaborative with mainstream medicine. Our vision is to provide Filipinos with another valuable tool in the fight against breast disease.”
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The InfraMed team includes doctors and medical professionals. To know more about breast thermography, log on to www.inframed.ph, or call 553-7335. InfraMed is at Unit 2D Crescent Park Residences, Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City.