FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the difference between thermography and mammography?
Mammography assesses anatomically (mass) and thermography assesses function (inflammatory).

Does thermography squeeze the breast? Is there radiation emitted?
NO and NO! A picture is taken about four feet away to determine breast health. Pain and radiation free!

How often will I need a breast scan?
After your initial breast scan, a second scan is highly suggested at three months to set a baseline. If there is no change from the first scan to the second, yearly scans are appropriate.

How fast can I get the results?
As quick as 24 hours, but in most cases, 2-3 business days.

Why haven’t I heard of thermography before? How long has it been around? Who reads my scans?
Thermography has been around almost 20 years. In the beginning, it was not accepted by many doctors due to a handful of untrained thermographers interpreting their own scans. A lot has changed since the early nineties, and thermal imaging is better than ever, worldwide -including Australia, Europe, and Asia. Scans are interpreted by board certified M.D.’s around the globe via internet and are for medical use only.

Do I need to have a doctor's referral in order to have this scan?
No, you do not need a referral if you are paying out of pocket or have a flex spend account. If you are submitting this procedure through an insurance company, they are more likely to re-imburse if referred by a Doctor.

Can thermography see uterine cancer, lung disease, heart concerns or stomach problems?
No. Thermography reads skin blood flow. In rare cases, inflamed liver, kidney and colons appear onthe stomach scan. However, thermal imaging can detect inflammation and pain (local or referred), chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia, thyroid concerns, lymph congestion, phlebitis, vasculitis, TMJ, dental pathology, sinus problems, and carotid arteries.

I have heard a lot about radiation. Should I be concerned?
YES. Please visit www.preventbc.com for downloadable studies on the dangers of low-level radiation (2002 Brenner, 2003 Parisky, 2004 Heyes). Each time a woman gets a mammogram, she is increasing her chance of getting cancer by about five percent.

My doctor states he doesn’t know enough about thermal imaging and demands I still get a mammogram. What do I do?
Tell your doctor to do some research at www.thermologyonline.org (information, case studies). Also, there are downloadable studies at www.preventbc.com (see radiation question above) or call me at the Longevity Center and I will send a booklet and lots of information to your doctor. Tell your doctor you have concerns with low-level radiation and how it effects DNA. There are over 800 studies on themography. Hand her (or him) the 2004 Heyes study on radiation. If not thermography, ask for a different method (ultrasound, breast MRI, ductal lavage) as a substitute (see www.alternativemedicine.com on May mammogram article). In any case, thermography can be used in conjunction with a mammogram by assessing false-positives or concurring with a sketchy mammogram.

It is up to us to get the word out about the benefits of Thermography and dangers of Mammography to ALL doctors & radiologists.  Here is a Fact Sheet for futher information.