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What does my TH classification really mean? 
What is Infrared Full Body Imaging? (link)
Are there any pre-imaging instructions?
Yes, here is a link to printable pre-imaging instructions. (link)
What is breast thermography and is it safe?
An infrared camera and computer system (digital infrared imaging or DII) are used to measure heat from the surface of the breast to produce an image which can be evaluated for abnormalities. DII has the ability to warn women up to 10 years before any other procedure that a cancer may be forming. This can allow for prompt and timely intervention. This modality has been in use since the 1960s and approved by the FDA in 1982 for use as an adjunctive breast cancer screening procedure. The procedure uses no radiation or intravenous injection; therefore, digital infrared imaging poses no health risk.
How exactly does breast thermography pick up changes in breast tissue?
Cancerous tumors increase circulation to their cells by holding open existing blood vessels, opening dormant vessels, and creating new ones (neoangiogenesis) in their need for nutrients. Regional surface temperatures of the breast increase frequently during this process. DII can detect, analyze, and produce high-resolution images of these temperature variations. Because of DII’s extreme sensitivity, it can detect early signs of breast cancer and/or a pre-cancerous state of the breast.
What makes Digital Infrared Imaging so unique and painless?
Breast thermography does not use radiation, compression, contact or intravenous injection. As such, DII is a very comfortable procedure which poses absolutely NO health risks to the patient. Consequently, scans can be performed as frequently as necessary. Signs of pre-cancerous tissue, or early stage cancers that are too small to be found by physical examination and mammography, can be discovered with thermography.
Women with smaller breasts or implants find the procedure to be comfortable. DII is safe for pregnant or
nursing women. Since there is no contact with the body, the procedure is also completely painless.
Who should have the test?
Every woman should include breast thermography as part of her regular breast health care. With the incidence of breast cancer on the rise, and mortality rates basically unchanged, we must do everything we can to provide better screening in an effort to prevent women from having to deal with this terrible disease. No other screening procedure offers what breast thermography can provide: the earliest known detection, individualized risk assessment, under age 40 screening, and perhaps a significant role in breast cancer prevention.
Breast cancers are particularly aggressive in younger women. Statistics indicate that 15% of all breast cancers occur between the ages of 20 and 44 (1). However, there are no guidelines for the use of sensitive detection imaging during these years. With the addition of Digital Infrared Imaging (breast thermography), women in this age group have a sensitive procedure that they can add to their regular breast health check ups. The following thermographic guidelines for early breast cancer detection include careful breast monitoring during these years.
Breast Thermography Guidelines for Early Detection
Initial infrared scan by age 20
20-30 years of age – every 3 years
30 years of age and over – every year
Source: American Cancer Society – Breast Cancer Guidelines and Statistics, 2005
Does insurance cover breast thermography?
That will depend on each individuals insurance coverage. Our center's policy is to receive payment at the time of service and we will provide you with all of the paperwork necessary for you to submit the bill to your insurance company for reimbursement yourself.
Is Digital Infrared Imaging an approved procedure?
Yes, in 1982 DII was approved by the FDA for use as an adjunctive breast cancer screening procedure.
Does Digital Infrared Imaging replace mammograms?
No, but the two tests complement each other. Health care experts agree that no one procedure or method of imaging is solely adequate for breast cancer screening. The false negative and positive rates for mammography are too high for the procedure to be used alone. Digital Infrared Imaging can pick up many of the cancers missed by mammography. A positive infrared image is also the single most important marker of high risk for developing breast cancer. It is DII’s unique ability to monitor the abnormal temperature (physiological) changes produced by diseased breast tissue that allows for extremely early detection.
Can you provide my organization with a speaker?
Yes, we can provide your organization with a speaker. We also do community education classes throughout the Des Moines area. Contact us for more information.
Should a person avoid having a thermogram done if they feel they have an acute infection—or a “bug” (as compared to a chronic infection)?
Yes, if you have an acute infection please wait to schedule your appointment until you are well.
Can you apply palm oil, or a food grade oil to her skin without affecting the image. It is absorbed by the skin and not something that sits on the skin. Would essential oils be a problem?
Yes, please do NOT apply any oils, lotions or creams of any kind to the skin 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Should a person avoid any form of energy work like Reiki or Healing Touch for 24 hours?
Yes, you need to avoid all exercise, acupuncture, Reiki etc. 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Should a person avoid alcohol for a certain period prior to the thermogram?
Yes, avoid all alcohol 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Find a breast thermography center in your area...http://www.breastthermography.com/find-a-center.htm
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