Can New Technology Improve Women’s Healthcare? Our CEO Investigated Thermography to Find Out! (Part One)

Ladies, have you ever felt anxious or uneasy about going to the doctor for a mammogram? You’re not alone. Many women feel uncomfortable with the procedure or the thought of potential radiation exposure. But what if there was an alternative? Our CEO recently investigated thermography, a new technology as a potential alternative to mammography. Here’s what she learned in Part One of this experience!

What is Thermography?

Thermography is a non-invasive, radiation-free technology that uses a special camera to measure the heat coming from your body. It creates a digital image that shows the temperature variations on the surface of your skin, which can reveal abnormalities or changes in the underlying tissue. 

In the context of women’s healthcare, thermography is often used as an alternative to mammography for breast cancer screening. Unlike mammography, thermography does not use radiation and is completely painless. It has been FDA-approved for clinical adjunct screening purposes since 1982.  

While it is not a replacement for mammography, it can be a useful tool in detecting early signs of breast cancer, sometimes years before a lump can be felt or seen on a mammogram. That’s because it can detect abnormal changes in breast tissue, which may indicate early signs of breast cancer.

Thermography vs. Mammography

Compared to mammography, which uses radiation to produce images of breast tissue, thermography is completely safe and painless. It also has the potential to detect early signs of breast cancer, sometimes years before a lump can be felt or seen on a mammogram.

While mammography is still considered the gold standard for breast cancer screening, it’s important to note that it isn’t perfect. False positives and false negatives can occur, leading to unnecessary biopsies or missed cancers. Thermography, on the other hand, can detect abnormalities in breast tissue that may not show up on a mammogram.

Dianne’s Firsthand Experience with Thermography

Unlike most doctor visits, the “pre-process do’s and don’ts” were kind of mindblowing. For example, the instructions start 3 months prior to the appointment right up to one hour beforehand. Things to avoid in the days before the screening include excess sun exposure, heavy alcohol consumption, and extensive exercise.

On the day of her scan, Dianne felt nervous anticipation, and a fair amount of curiosity. Luckily, that dissipated almost immediately! 

The practitioner, Kerry Press from Thermal Imaging Centers, was warm and welcoming; the space was bright and comfortable. The first thirty minutes of the appointment involved a detailed education in thermography and an explanation of how cancer moves in the body. This time dedicated to education and understanding already set this visit apart from just about any typical medical experience!

Dianne found the practitioner to be highly knowledgeable and relatable. Kerry is a breast cancer survivor herself, who’s had a double mastectomy and deeply connects to the work. Dianne learned that through thermography, you can detect signs of breast disease up to a decade before it would show up on a mammogram!

There are three precursors to all disease, dysfunction, and cancer in the body. They are:

1. Chronic inflammation
2. Lymphatic congestion
3. Hormone imbalance

Thermography can be used to screen for these issues long before they become serious health risks. 

After the educational component, Dianne disrobed and put on a short gown that could be moved and manipulated as needed throughout the process. The practitioner started at the bottom of Dianne’s feet and worked her way all the way up to the top of the head. 

The best part? There was no pain – other than being butt naked! Of course, even that wasn’t so bad, as the practitioner was very professional and kept Dianne at ease using this new technology. 

Dianne was surprised by what the high-powered camera could see. The practitioner was able to ask some questions based on what she saw – like about congestion or other aches and pains. She could see congestion in the back of Dianne’s neck, and the camera even showed scar tissue! 

How Does it Compare to a Mammography Appointment?

You can’t even compare them! Mammogram is putting a breast in a machine and bracing for the pain of the squeeze. The appointment itself is in and out, and you get a report after the images are processed. There’s no education, no knowledge, no real human interaction. 

And the biggest difference is that mammography takes place in ISOLATION. Only the breast is examined. With thermography, the practitioner looks at the breast in the context of the WHOLE body. They examine organ function, review history, and truly educate and listen. 

After a mammogram, you receive a basic readout via mail -under the best circumstances – and a scary phone call to schedule a follow-up if the exam shows something bad. What happens after a thermography appointment? We’ll detail that in Part Two!

Tips or Advice for Other Women?

Since thermography is still a newer technology, it is not advised to do it in isolation. You should still do your routine mammogram. But the benefit of having alternatives available to women is priceless. You know your body best, and this is an opportunity to look at your WHOLE body and health. Dianne anticipates that her results will empower her to do just that. 

The Benefit of Accessible Alternatives in Women’s Healthcare

Accessible alternatives like thermography can also benefit women who may not have access to traditional healthcare. In rural or low-income areas, mammography facilities may not be readily available or affordable. Thermography can be performed in a doctor’s office or imaging center, though it’s not typically covered by insurance just yet.

As women, it’s important to take control of our health and make informed decisions about our healthcare. While mammography is still recommended for most women, thermography may be a viable alternative for those who are uncomfortable with the procedure or have other health concerns.

Technology is constantly advancing, and it’s exciting to see new innovations that can improve women’s healthcare. By staying informed and exploring alternative options, we can ensure that we receive the best possible care for ourselves and our loved ones.

As always, we are advocating for women to put themselves first, prioritize well-being, and equip themselves with the necessary information to stay healthy. So, let’s dive into part two of Dianne’s experience with thermography!

Recap of Part One

In the captivating first part of Dianne’s journey, we took readers on an informative journey exploring the potential of thermography in women’s healthcare. Our CEO’s investigation delved into the definition and principles of thermography, comparing it with traditional diagnostic methods.

But most importantly, we got a firsthand account of the experience! Overall, part one offered an insightful and lighthearted perspective on how thermography can revolutionize women’s healthcare. So who’s ready for part two?

What Happened Next: The Results

After her initial appointment, Dianne’s provider informed her that she’d receive results via email in 7 to 10 days. This is typical, though patients also have the option of reviewing their results and protocols with their practitioner. This is vastly different from a mammogram, where you either receive a letter or email giving the “all clear” or a dreaded phone call to schedule a follow up. 

Dianne’s 8-page report starts with a one-page introduction to the technology and an overview of physiological foundations and norms, the procedure, and some information about breast cancer. The report also included 5 pages of full color infrared images from Dianne’s thermography session. On each page, there were findings and information regarding possible causes. 

To further elucidate her results, Dianne met with Dr. Gregory Melvin in Southern California. Dianne was immediately impressed with Dr. Melvin’s encyclopedic knowledge of medicine and medical studies. He is a naturopathic physician and he has an alternative and holistic approach to healing. 

Dr. Melvin walked Dianne through the images and explained what he saw, going over the associated protocols and next steps. Specifically, Dianne will be addressing sinus congestion and keeping an eye on her right breast and nipple. 

Before leaving, Dr. Melvin gave Dianne a neuromuscular adjustment. Neuromuscular therapy is a specialized form of deep tissue massage that targets the nervous system and specific areas of muscle tension. It can be effective in reducing pain and improving range of motion. And it helped relieve Dianne’s neck and shoulder tension immediately!

Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of the Importance of Thermography Application

Dianne’s experience is not unique. In fact, there are many case studies of thermography being used successfully to support medical imaging for breast cancer. 

For example, in one case study, the patient visited a thermography clinic to examine a lump in her right breast. Her doctor sent her in for a follow-up mammogram to investigate the lump initially, but the mammogram came back negative with a recommendation for a routine annual exam.

However, the thermal imaging showed a significant amount of heat and vascularity (angiogenesis) in the right breast, especially over the lump. The patient was sent back to her doctor with a recommendation for an immediate biopsy of the lump. The biopsy confirmed that the lump was cancer. 

This is just one clear example of how further imaging using a different diagnostic tool allowed the patient to take charge of her healthcare and address a potentially fatal condition before it advanced. 

The Future of Thermography in Women’s Healthcare

The future of thermography in women’s healthcare holds immense promise, driven by advances in technology and ongoing research. As this innovative field evolves, we can expect exciting developments that will further enhance its role in healthcare. One exciting aspect is the integration of thermography with other diagnostic tools and approaches. 

By combining thermal imaging with traditional methods such as mammography or ultrasound, healthcare professionals can obtain a more comprehensive view of a woman’s health. This integration enables a multi-dimensional approach to diagnosis, improving accuracy and enabling more personalized healthcare and treatment plans.

In fact, the future of thermography encompasses expanding its application beyond traditional healthcare settings. As technology becomes more accessible and portable, thermography can potentially find utility in remote areas, underserved communities, and even home-based screenings. This democratization of healthcare empowers women to take proactive measures in monitoring their health and facilitates timely interventions.

More to Come: The Future of Thermography in Women’s Healthcare

The importance of different diagnostic tools cannot be overstated when it comes to women’s healthcare. Each tool offers a unique perspective and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of a woman’s health. This integration of different tools will provide healthcare professionals with a more complete picture, enabling them to make more accurate assessments and informed decisions for individual patients.

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In this evolving landscape, more options mean more power for women.  It allows them to seek second opinions, explore different avenues, and make more informed decisions about their health. By embracing the diversity of diagnostic tools, women gain a greater sense of control and confidence in managing their well-being.

As this field continues to evolve, let’s embrace the possibilities, celebrate the importance of different diagnostic tools, and empower women to take charge of their health. Together, we can pave the way for a future where every woman receives the personalized care she deserves. 

Our story isn’t ending just yet. Stay tuned for an eventual Part Three, as we follow up with Dianne to see how she progresses, and how her daily use of Violet Daily impacts her breast health. Exciting times are ahead, and the journey towards optimal women’s healthcare continues!