Earlier this year, I first heard about thermography. I have had regular mammograms since turning 40, but have not been comfortable with the idea of yearly radiation exposure, and as any woman knows who has had one, they are very painful. So after investigating further, I decided to make an appointment for thermal imaging.

Mammography is the “gold standard” of medical care in this country. Doctors can lose their licenses if they don’t recommend to their patients the approved protocol of mammography. Thermography is an additional screening tool, and can be used in conjunction with any other screening methods such as mammography, ultrasound, and MRIs. As an individual, I made the personal decision to replace my mammogram screening this year with a thermogram. Some women may choose to have both types of screenings done. This is a decision every woman must make for herself, and I don’t advocate one way or the other. I am simply sharing my personal experience.

We are fortunate in Colorado to have the Thermogram Center located on the Front Range.  The entire experience was stress- and pain-free. From the time I made my appointment, I was provided with detailed information as to what to expect. The atmosphere at the screening location was calm and nurturing. At all times, the technician respected my privacy and modesty.

The screening itself involved standing in a cool, darkened room in front of the imaging device, disrobed to the waist, and turning different directions as instructed by the female technician, whose back was towards me. It took about 15 minutes for the actual imaging. Afterwards, the technician went over a preliminary review of the scans, spending an additional 45 minutes with me. The images were then sent to a qualified MD for reading and interpretation. In about a week, I received my very detailed results in the mail, and had a telephone follow-up appointment which was 45 minutes long, during which the technician explained the results, answered all of my questions, and made recommendations based on the results of my screening.

With a mammogram, aside from the unpleasantness of the screening procedure, all that I ever received was a note to say if it was normal or not – no details, no follow-up. What I really like about thermography is that it is not just looking for existing cancer, like a mammogram. It is screening for specific risk factors BEFORE cancer has formed, allowing time for lifestyle changes or other appropriate actions to prevent it. The detail in the report I received was amazing, and extremely valuable.

The cost for the breast thermography was a little more, but comparable to what I would pay for a mammogram. And your insurance may cover thermography – when you call the Thermogram Center they will give you the information you need to have to check with your insurance carrier.

And one other thing – thermography isn’t just for breast screening. Any part of the body can be imaged. I decided to have the full head, neck, chest, and abdomen screening, and from those results have been able to pinpoint and receive follow-up treatment for several health issues which have been elusive to diagnose up until now.

I am extremely happy with my decision to try thermography, and I would recommend it to anyone. The value I received for the cost was by far above and beyond anything I’ve ever gotten from having a mammogram. This is definitely part of my regular preventive health care regimen from now on.

Additional information is available from the Breast Health Education Group. Also, please read the informative article I have reprinted by permission in my blog entry "A Better Breast Test?"

From my heart to yours,

Karen