Although most Americans may not be very familiar with Thermograms, many should already be familiar with the concept. Anyone who has seen action movies or television shows likely knows that the US Military has been using thermal technology—or Digital Infrared Imaging—for years. Thermography is especially valued by the military for its ability to see beneath the surface, to detect heat where the eye cannot see. In the medical world, recent advances in thermographic technology from Micro Health Systems and NEC have made this breast screening tool more widely available and more effective than ever.  

How does Thermography work?
A breast thermogram is a Digital Infrared Image of a woman's breasts and upper torso. Images are taken in color, which reveal patterns of heat, and gray-scale, which show vascularity in the breast tissue. Specially trained Breast Thermographers then review the information on the images, comparing one to another, as well as to typical patterns of heat and vascularity. Various patterns of heat and vascularity in the breast tissue can reveal the earliest stages of abnormalities, everything from hormonal imbalances to cancerous tissue.

Who can perform Thermograms?
Breast Thermography has been approved by the FDA since 1982.  The designation of “Thermographer” is only open to medical doctors who have completed the American Medical Infrared Academy's training program, which includes live classroom training, research projects, and oral and written exams. Thermographers are able to take and read digital images, as well as advise the patient on further work-ups that may be needed. Non-medical doctors can undergo training to become a Thermographic Technician, which allows them to take digital images and suggest treatment choices for the patient.

Is a Thermogram right for you?
Breast Thermography is not necessarily considered a replacement to mammograms or other diagnostic tools. However, thermograms certainly offer advantages. First and foremost, they are completely safe, non-invasive, and radiation and pain-free. They have also been proven extremely effective at finding abnormalities in breast tissue, including the very earliest stages of breast cancer. In fact, thermograms can detect cancerous tissue years before a mammogram. Since thermograms do not pose the same health risks as mammograms, they may be started far earlier in life, even when a woman is in her teens. Given the increased incidence of breast cancer among younger women, thermography can be a great option for women in the teens and twenties. Thermograms can also be especially valuable for women with a history of breast cancer in their families, for women who've been on the pill, and for women who've been exposed to significant environmental pollutants. Not just for younger women, thermograms can be highly advantageous for post-menopausal women as they can reveal hormonal imbalances, a significant risk factor in breast cancer.

Where can I get a Thermogram?
With recent advances in thermographic technology, more and more clinics are offering women this screening option. Pink Penguin Press is also making thermogram education a priority. By working with alternative and allopathic practitioners, equipment suppliers in Europe, and by creating an easy to use listing of available clinics across the country, Pink Penguin Press has committed a major part of their resources to make it easy for individuals to source out local clinics that offer thermography. Check in frequently at www.pinkpenguinpress.org as they build their database of clinics nationwide. Additionally, further information on thermograms is available at LifeSavingEmail.com. Please visit www.LifeSavingEmail.com and sign up for your monthly reminder to do your Breast Self Exam, as well as to receive your annual thermogram and/or mammogram reminder. Each monthly reminder is filled with the latest research, valuable nutritional advice, and, of course, directions to guide you through your self-exam.