FDA Warns AGAINST breast thermography

JanH · � #1 � 07-03-2011, 09:53 AM

Sigh, FDA strikes again! This article from the July 4, 2011, issue of the National Enquirer:

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning women not to substitute thermography for mammography as a screening tool for breast cancer.

"Unlike mammography - an X-ray of the breast - thermography produces an infrared image that should not be used as a stand-alone method, says the FDA.

"Some health care providers claim it is superior because it does not require radiation exposure or breast compression. But the FDA encourages women to continue getting regular mammograms.

"'While there is plenty of evidence that mammography is effective in breast cancer detection, there is simply no evidence that thermography can take its place,' cautions the FDA's Dr. Helen Barr."

However, according to Dr. Nan Fuchs of Women's Health Letter, thermography actually detects problems sooner and at a smaller size than mammography, without the dangers of radiation and the possibility of popping a tumor and spreading the cancer.

Ted_Hutchinson · � #2 � 07-03-2011, 11:21 AM

Mercola on Thermography This is for information only and should not be regarded as a personal recommendation.

Bear in mind that mammograms are not perfect.
Effect of abnormal screening mammogram on quality of life.
and the sooner you start the more trouble you run into
Effect of start age of breast cancer screening mammography on the risk of false-positive results

Overdiagnosis and mammography screening

I should perhaps declare an interest in that my partner refuses to have regular mammogram screening and I support her choice. I think they do more harm than good.

JanH · � #3 � 07-03-2011, 11:51 AM

Mammograms are just one of the "necessary" tests I refuse to have. My doctor at Kaiser and I battle over these issues frequently, but I've improved my health enormously DESPITE mainstream medicine!

Ted_Hutchinson · � #4 � 07-03-2011, 12:08 PM

The benefts and harms of screening for cancer with a focus on breast screening
This link downloads the full text of this paper

Quote:

[Abstract
The balance between benefits and harms is delicate for cancer screening programs.
By attending screening with mammography some women will avoid dying from breast cancer or receive less aggressive treatment.
But many more women will be overdiagnosed, receive needless treatment, have a false‑positive result, or live more years as a patient with breast cancer.
Systematic reviews of the randomized trials have shown that for every 2000 women invited for mammography screening throughout 10 years, only 1 will have her life prolonged.
In addition, 10 healthy women will be overdiagnosed with breast cancer and will be treated unnecessarily.
Furthermore, more than 200 women will experience substantial psychosocial distress for months because of false‑positive findings.
Regular breast self‑examination does not reduce breast cancer mortality, but doubles the number of biopsies, and it therefore cannot be recommended.
The effects of routine clinical breast examination are unknown, but considering the results of the breast self‑examination trials, it is likely that it is harmful.
The effects of screening for breast cancer with thermography, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging are unknown.
It is not clear whether screening with mammography does more good than harm.
Women invited to screening should be informed according to the best available evidence, data should be reported in absolute numbers, and benefits and harms should be reported using the same denominator so that they can be readily compared.

Arrowwind09 · � #5 � 07-03-2011, 02:28 PM

Thermomography, according to my understanding can detect problems before a mammogram can.

Mammograms are dangerous. If you feel that you need a comprehensive breast exam insist on an ultra sound, even if you have to pay for it. If you travel to Mexico ever get it done there for under $100.

Radiation causes cancer.

Instead of focusing on breast cancer detection focus on breast cancer prevention. Learn about and use lugol's iodine orally and or topically and breast massage, eating good healthy oils high in omega 3's, Lymphomyosot Heel Homoepathic preparation along with Galium Heel for a 6 week protocol every year... get these HEEL products at www.Iherb.com use coupon code BAR967 for $5 your first purchase.

Typically Japanese women do not get breast cancer if they eat the traditional Japanese diet which has 12.5 mg of iodine a day.

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