Early Breast Cancer Detection

Early Detection
By Brenda Witt

Most women are familiar with mammography as our "gold standard"
for screening. However, there are additional tools
available that women can add to their arsenal.

One of the most effective tools in screening is
breast self-exam (BSE). However, BSE works best when women are
appropriately trained in the procedure, and then followed-up
with annual clinical breast exams (CBE) from their physicians.
In a 2000 University of Toronto study, approximately 20,000
women were screened for with BSE and annual CBE,
and 20,000 were screened with BSE and mammograms. After more
than 10 years, the BSE and annual CBE reported 610 cases of
invasive breast cancer, and 105 deaths. In the BSE and mammogram
group, there were 622 cases of invasive and 107
deaths. Without question, the first line of defense against
breast cancer begins with diligent BSE.

Other tools that are available to women include the AMAS
(anti-malignan antibody screen) test and the NMP Nuclear matrix
protein) test. Both these are blood tests that measure a certain
protein in the blood that may indicate cancer. The AMAS test has
been around for several years while the NMP test has not been
available until only recently. Clinical trials continue in this
area.

One additional tool that may detect an issue early is digital
infrared thermal imaging or DITI. In 1982, the FDA approved
thermography as an adjunctive tool for screening.
DITI measures heat emitted from the body and is accurate to
1/100th of a degree. DITI examines physiology, NOT structure. It
is in this capacity that DITI can monitor breast HEALTH over
time and alert a patient or physician to a developing problem;
possibly before a lump can be seen on X-ray or palpated
clinically. There are no

Experiment seeks blood test for breast cancer (Reuters)
Reuters - An experimental approach that looks for the DNA leaking out from dead and dying cells may provide a route to a blood test for breast cancer, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday.
Breast Cancer Patients Often Confused by Genomic Testing (HealthDay)
HealthDay - MONDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- Doctors need to do a better job of explaining genomic test results to breast cancer patients, say U.S. researchers.
Certain Bone Drugs May Lower Breast Cancer Risk (HealthDay)
HealthDay - FRIDAY, March 5 (HealthDay News) -- Some types of bone-building drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis might reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to new research.
Freezing Technique May Stop Breast Cancer (HealthDay)
HealthDay - FRIDAY, March 5 (HealthDay News) -- Freezing breast tumors helped stop the spread of the cancer in mice, a new study has found.
Radiation Most Effective Soon After Breast Cancer Surgery (HealthDay)
HealthDay - THURSDAY, March 4 (HealthDay News) -- For women who have had breast cancer surgery, the question of whether or not to wait before receiving radiation therapy has been answered by new research that suggests that the longer women wait, the greater the chance of cancer recurrence.
Plant-focused diet may curb breast cancer risk (Reuters)
Reuters - Diets high in vegetables, fruits and soy might cut the risk of developing breast cancer by 30 percent, new research suggests.
Preventive Mastectomy in Opposite Breast Boosts Survival Only Slightly (HealthDay)
HealthDay - THURSDAY, Feb. 25 (HealthDay News) -- Women with breast cancer who choose to have a preventive mastectomy on their disease-free breast do reduce their risk of cancer in that breast, studies have shown.
Access to Mammograms Drops After Guidelines Change (HealthDay)
HealthDay - TUESDAY, Feb. 23 (HealthDay News) -- In some states, access to mammograms for women ages 40 to 49 has decreased since new breast cancer screening guidelines were released in November by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, according to a new survey.
Bitter Melon Extract May Slow, Stop Breast Cancer (HealthDay)
HealthDay - TUESDAY, Feb. 23 (HealthDay News) -- A popular nutritional supplement -- extract of bitter melon -- may help protect women from breast cancer, researchers say.
Mammogram Plus MRI Cost-Effective in High-Risk Women (HealthDay)
HealthDay - TUESDAY, Feb. 23 (HealthDay News) -- Annual screening with both mammography and MRI appears to be a cost-effective way to improve life expectancy in women at high risk for breast cancer, U.S. researchers say.

test limitations such as breast
density. DITI is a non-invasive test that does not emit
radiation.

The unique characteristics of cancer allow DITI to detect
breast cancer at an earlier stage of growth. As cancer is
developing, it builds its own blood supply which is then
reflected as increased heat in that particular region of the
breast. DITI has a specificity of 83%; which reflects a problem
in its early stages of development not late-stage cancer as in
mammography. An abnormal thermogram carries a 10-times greater
risk for cancer and a persistently abnormal thermogram carries a
22-times greater risk for cancer.

Clinical research studies continue to support thermography’s
role as an adjunctive tool in screening and the
ONLY tool that measures breast health over time. There are now
more than 800 publications on over 300,000 women in clinical
trials. A recent finding published in the American Journal of
Radiology in 2003 showed that thermography has 99% sensitivity
in identifying with single examinations and
limited views. Scientists concluded that a negative thermogram
is powerful evidence that cancer is not present.

Thermographic screening is not covered by most insurance
companies but is surprisingly affordable for most people. For
more information or to find a certified clinic in your area, go
to www.proactivehealthonline.com.

About the Author: Brenda is co-owner of Proactive Health
Solutions and is a certified thermographer in Southern
California. She is certified by the American College of Clinical
Thermology.

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