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Kelly the Kitchen Kop

The Best Breast Test: My First Breast Thermogram with Pictures (A Mammogram Alternative)

April 21, 2015 78 Comments

*Amazon or other affiliate links may be included, see full disclosure after the post. I'm not a medical professional, so use anything you read here only as a starting point for your own research.

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Mammogram Alternative

The Best Breast Test:  My First Breast Thermogram with Pictures (A Mammogram Alternative)

Don't worry, I'm not sharing the thermography picture of my girls, that might be kind of awkward.  🙂  The picture here is just a screen-shot from the video below, but I did snap a few pictures when I went in for my first breast thermogram the other day, to show you how simple it was.

There was NO smash-fest or radiation anywhere!

Thermograms are a great mammogram alternative, because they simply show where the heat is in your body, and it can detect breast changes YEARS before a mammogram — all without any risks.  As in NONE.

That is, unless you listen to the FDA, who say that the risks of a thermogram are that women then may not get a mammogram, which they believe is the better option for detecting breast cancer.  However, others believe mammograms increase the chances of getting breast cancer:

Dr. Samuel Epstein said Radiation from routine mammography poses significant cumulative risks of initiating and promoting breast cancer (1-3). Contrary to conventional assurances that radiation exposure from mammography is trivial–and similar to that from a chest X-ray or spending one week in Denver, about 1/1,000 of a rad (radiation-absorbed dose)–the routine practice of taking four films for each breast results in some 1,000-fold greater exposure, 1 rad, focused on each breast rather than the entire chest (2). Thus, premenopausal women undergoing annual screening over a ten-year period are exposed to a total of about 10 rads for each breast. As emphasized some three decades ago, the premenopausal breast is highly sensitive to radiation, each rad of exposure increasing breast cancer risk by 1 percent, resulting in a cumulative 10 percent increased risk over ten years of premenopausal screening, usually from ages 40 to 50 (4); risks are even greater for ««baseline»» screening at younger ages, for which there is no evidence of any future relevance.  Furthermore, breast cancer risks from mammography are up to fourfold higher for the 1 to 2 percent of women who are silent carriers of the A-T (ataxia-telangiectasia) gene and thus highly sensitive to the carcinogenic effects of radiation (5); by some estimates this accounts for up to 20 percent of all breast cancers annually in the United States (6).      Source

My disclaimer:

I am not a doctor, there's a lot I don't know.  Research this issue and make your own informed decisions!  Read my full disclaimer here.  ***And because I like to share ALL sides of the story, read another very different opinion below.

My first breast thermogram

First the gal took me back to the room, which was a little cool.  Apparently this slightly cooler room temperature helps get more accurate images of the breasts.  She asked me to take everything off from the waist up and just hang out for about 15 minutes to get acclimated to that room temp.  So I sat in a comfortable chair behind a privacy wall and sent some texts from my phone and read the book we're using for bible study right now…

thermogram vs. mammogram

Next she explained how I needed to stand for the different camera shots she needed to take — the camera was hooked up to the computer.  It took maybe 3 minutes:

thermogram

Half-way through I was instructed to put my hands in freezing cold water for one minute.

At that point she took a few more pictures and that was it, all done!  They'll call me with the results in a few days.  (Results were all good.)

It felt great not having to worry about the dose of radiation I would've gotten with a traditional mammogram.  (Have you read about the huge decision process before I got a mammogram a few years ago:  Are Cancer Screenings Safe?)

Below are a few highlights from another article in the Truth About Cancer series:

Heat is an indication that inflammation exists, and typically inflammation is present in precancerous and cancerous cells, too.

Thermography's accuracy and reliability is remarkable. In the 1970s and 1980s, a great deal of research was conducted on thermography. In 1981, Michel Gautherie, Ph.D., and his colleagues reported on a 10-year study, which found that an abnormal thermogram was 10 times more significant as a future risk indicator for breast cancer than having a history of breast cancer in your family.

Since thermal imaging detects changes at the cellular level, studies suggest that this test can detect activity 8 to 10 years before any other test. This makes it unique in that it affords us the opportunity to view changes before the actual formation of the tumor. Studies have shown that by the time a tumor has grown to sufficient size to be detectable by physical examination or mammography, it has in fact been growing for about seven years achieving more than 25 doublings of the malignant cell colony. At 90 days there are two cells, at one year there are 16 cells, and at five years there are 1,048,576 cells–an amount that is still undetectable by a mammogram.

Today, women are encouraged to get a mammogram, so they can find their breast cancer as early as possible. With thermography as your regular screening tool, it's likely that you would have the opportunity to make adjustments to your diet, beliefs and lifestyle to transform your cells before they became cancerous. Talk about true prevention.

Clearer Results, Fewer Additional Tests with this mammogram alternative

To many, it felt like the world was set on its ear when, in November 2009, the United States Preventative Services Task Force said it recommended that women begin regular mammograms at 50 instead of 40 and that mammograms are needed every two years instead of annually between the ages of 50 and 74. Some women felt this was a way for the insurance companies to save money, but I cheered these new guidelines. (For more information read “The New Mammography Guidelines” in the Women's Wisdom Circle on www.drnorthrup.com.) The Task Force concluded that the risk of additional and unnecessary testing far outweighed the benefits of annual mammograms–and I couldn't agree more.

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool

Here's a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool to at least give you some idea of your risk.  I thought it was interesting, especially since my Mom died from breast cancer, although I'm fairly certain her cancer was caused by the synthetic hormone therapy her doctor put her on years ago.  These were my results:

  • 1.7% risk in next 5 years
  • 17.5% risk in my lifetime

Who knows how accurate that is, especially since it doesn't take into account that I eat better than most (not perfect by any means, but definitely better than most), make sleep a priority, walk several times a week, keep stress low, etc.

What about the cost of this mammogram alternative?

Mine was only $179, I didn't think that was bad at all, considering that I'd probably pay at least that much for a mammogram, now that our health insurance co-pays are so high, and we're not at the doctor enough to ever get to the point where the insurance company pays anything.  (Which is a good thing, obviously, but the whole health insurance scam is another topic that I won't start ranting about now.)

A thermogram downside?

My friend Sarah found an angle to this story that I hadn't considered:  Thermograms: A Perfect Alternative to Mammograms?  While she still recommends them, she points to the cost as a possible deterrent for some AND she brings up the sticky issue of what to do if your thermogram turns up an area of concern.  The next step should be a breast ultrasound, but Sarah said she had trouble getting a doctor to order one without first getting a mammogram!

Sadly most docs also recommend a biopsy too soon in my opinion.  This makes me nervous because that procedure takes a closed “sac” and breaks it open to get tissue for testing, which could let any possible cancer cells go out into a bigger area.  I'd definitely ask for other options first.

Another opinion and a word about risks…

Since I like to share all sides, hear what a reader friend shared with me in an email (shared here with her permission):

Hi Kelly, I was going to share my thermography experience. In my early 30's I knew I had some precursors for breast cancer and dense tissue so I did my initial thermography appointment. I followed up accordingly. I did annual reviews and I even did a few full bodies just to double check and stay on top of anything. When I found a lump, a thermography appointment was the first thing I did. Again the report said all clear. I'm in the Atlanta area and used a leading group. I was fully confident in their services. The lump didn't go away and my doctor and I decided we needed to do different imaging. A mammogram found a large mass and further testing found a large mass in my liver also. At 36 years old that was not the news I wanted. I contacted the thermography company and she said just like any testing it is not 100%.  And for some people with especially dense tissue it is not able to see….which was ironic because I had read and been told that is was an especially good option for dense tissue. All that said, I know there are radiation risks with frequent mammograms. I have watched and read all of the Truth About Cancer series. But at the end of the day thermography failed me. My kids were 5 and 7 when I was diagnosed. It is a little over a year later now. My family and kids have been through a lot as we have all walked this cancer journey. I think thermography is a great option….but I also know its limitations and wish so badly I would have found my mass sooner.  So while mammograms have risk….in retrospect it is a risk I wish I would have taken. I just hope other women are not relying so heavily on thermography that something gets missed as well. It is all a balancing act for sure.  If I were to recommend regular check-ups I would recommend ultra-sound!  The more I read in the comments, the more I feel I should have read more about thermography. I recognized its strengths, but not its limits.

I'm grateful she shared her story so you can make a fully informed decision when deciding on whether or not to pursue a mammogram alternative.

More you might like:

  • Look here to find where they do thermograms near you or also here.  BUT the one I go to isn't even listed on either of those, neither are other places I know of here in our city (Grand Rapids, MI), so you may have to call around to some natural health clinics and ask if they know where to get one near you.
  • Politically incorrect thoughts on breast cancer

  • How do you say goodbye to your Mom?

  • Are breast cancer screenings (and other cancer screenings) safe?
  • Is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy safe?   (Here's part one:  Are Extreme Menopause Symptoms Normal? Should We Embrace Our Muffin Top?)
  • Hormone replacement and breast cancer risks
  • NBC Video:  Mammogram Benefits are Oversold, and the Harms Downplayed
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Comments

  1. Heather P says

    November 23, 2019 at 1:30 PM

    I had a thermogram done as an alternative to a mammogram, and it was covered by my insurance. A little over a year later, I was diagnosed with BC after finding a lump on the underside of my left breast. The Dr said it had been growing for about 2 yrs. If you do the math, the thermogram missed the lump. When I called my naturopath to tell her she was shocked and very apologetic! She actually sent an inquiry to the company that had read the results to find out why it had not shown on the scans.
    Thankfully, I’ve been cancer free since Feb 2017, after opting to have a bilateral followed by a deep flap transplant.

    Reply
    • KitchenKop says

      November 23, 2019 at 2:01 PM

      I’m so thankful you’re cancer free now! And yes, it does get missed sometimes unfortunately, that’s why I included that “other side” of the story in my post. There are risks no matter which way you go, so everyone needs to decide for themselves which risks they’re okay with.

      Thanks for sharing your story, I always do like to hear both sides because I want my readers well-informed so they can make the best decision.

      Kelly

      Reply
  2. Rebecca Wight Turner says

    October 6, 2017 at 1:38 PM

    I have decided to have breast thermography once a year..yes I have to pay out of pocket but it’s worth not having all that extra radiation and smashing.

    Reply
  3. Christi Miller says

    October 6, 2017 at 11:39 AM

    I had a 3D mammogram last year that cost more than my thermogram did. I preferrred the thermogram, and feel it gave me a better picture of what is going on.

    Reply
  4. Emily Keffler says

    October 5, 2017 at 9:57 PM

    Now if only insurance covered them.

    Reply
    • Mandy says

      October 5, 2017 at 7:20 PM

      Yes. That’s frustrating. You can use an HSA account if you have one.

      Reply
    • Kelly the Kitchen Kop says

      October 6, 2017 at 12:04 AM

      I know @Emily but if you have a HSA you can run it through there.

      Reply
    • Heather P says

      November 23, 2019 at 1:31 PM

      Depends on your insurance. I have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and they covered it.

      Reply
  5. Heidi Pohl says

    March 1, 2017 at 12:24 PM

    That’s where I got mine done last year, too. Also, I was able to use our health savings account.

    Reply
  6. Kristin Frey says

    February 27, 2017 at 9:24 PM

    I had my “baseline” mammogram done when I was 40. It came up questionable, so I had to go back for more. I think my right breast was radiated 12 times – never again! I figured that was my lifetimes worth of mammograms. I went to follow up with the thermography about 6 months later (instead of the follow up mammogram they insisted on) and the right breast was very inflamed. Can’t imagine if I allowed them to do this every year – it would CAUSE the cancer they were trying to find. Doing it yearly since has shown increasingly better results. I also had thyroid and liver issues years ago, so I pay a small amount more for a full body scan. The place I use sends full interpretations from a panel of 12 doctors.

    Reply
  7. Mandy says

    February 27, 2017 at 2:20 PM

    Yes, you definitely should. Thermograms have no radiation or compression and are completely safe. Try Julie Bennett at Advanced Thermal Imaging of West Michigan. Here’s her website to learn more about thermography.
    https://www.advancedthermalimagingllc.com/

    Reply
  8. Alicia Latham McLaughlin says

    February 27, 2017 at 5:34 PM

    I do thermograms only!

    Reply
  9. Melissa Nienhuis Boersma says

    February 27, 2017 at 5:05 PM

    I’ve done this 2 years in a row. So glad, since I have dense breasts and self-checks are difficult b/c of this. Insurance doesn’t cover (yet), but I paid $185 out of pocket. It’s best if you can start when you are younger as it can show changes 8-10 years ahead of what mammograms can – without the radiation!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Swartz Ulman says

      February 27, 2017 at 5:12 PM

      Where do you go for a thermogram? Same as mammogram?

      Reply
    • Melissa Nienhuis Boersma says

      February 27, 2017 at 5:13 PM

      Lindsay Swartz Ulman I don’t do mammograms (not old enough yet, nor do I want them right now). I go to Natural Health Improvement Center – Grandville. Dr. Ann Auburn’s office. I think that’s where Kelly goes too?

      Reply
    • Kelly the Kitchen Kop says

      February 27, 2017 at 6:52 PM

      Lindsay Swartz Ulman Yes, Melissa is right, that’s where I go. 🙂

      Reply
  10. Sheryl Senkiw says

    February 27, 2017 at 5:03 PM

    I don’t want a mammogram, and I have had a thermogram done. The problem is, no one around here seems to know how to interpret the results of the thermogram. Also, I would like to get an ultrasound done, but every place expects a mammogram to be done first. They really push those mammograms. 🙁

    Reply
  11. Deb Westover Leonard says

    February 27, 2017 at 4:38 PM

    In the past nine months, I’ve had 3 mammograms, an ultrasound, two core biopsies (negative), and an MRI. I’m due for another mammogram in May. I’ve paid way more than $200 in co-pays. Maybe I should check out this thermogram.

    Reply
  12. Jennifer Zint says

    February 27, 2017 at 4:03 PM

    not that expensive really -200?? I think -for a second I thought that picture was yours !!

    Reply
    • Kelly the Kitchen Kop says

      February 27, 2017 at 4:20 PM

      Ha! I’d never show MY picture!

      Reply
  13. Beth Boudreaux Jelks says

    February 27, 2017 at 4:03 PM

    I’ve had two done. It shows so much more. Shows inflammation.

    Reply
  14. Betsyjo Ryskamp Kellum says

    February 27, 2017 at 3:59 PM

    Does your insurance cover this?

    Reply
    • Kelly the Kitchen Kop says

      February 27, 2017 at 6:51 PM

      I don’t think so Betsyjo Ryskamp Kellum, but I just paid the $199 today with our HSA card. (It was only more like $170 a couple years ago, but still pretty affordable I think.)

      Reply
  15. Rochelle Ledbetter Robinson says

    September 16, 2016 at 4:43 PM

    The pinkwashing has already started around here. And now I’m starting to see people post weird statements on FB that, if you comment on them, they send you a private message promoting “awareness” (which does nothing to help people who are suffering with cancer).

    Reply
  16. Zoe Honscher says

    August 11, 2016 at 6:21 PM

    Sheryl Senkiw. I just had my first thermography and had some inflammation too. I was given a long list of things to do that focus on breast health. The center I went to is very helpful with ideas and gives you lists of things to do and practitioners in my area. ( Natural Doctors, accupuncture, Lympth Therapists, etc…). Lots that you can do! Private message me and I can share details. I don’t want to post all their paperwork here.

    Reply
  17. Rose Lucht says

    August 10, 2016 at 10:43 PM

    We don’t even have this in Orlando as far as I know as I’ve been searching. They probably won’t take insurance if they do. One place said they had it but wouldn’t take insurance

    Reply
    • Jill-David Boman says

      August 10, 2016 at 11:24 PM

      I’ve never heard of insurance covering it either. It’s one of those things that is worth saving up for for a lot of women though, even if the insurance companies haven’t figured it out.

      Reply
    • Zoe Honscher says

      August 11, 2016 at 6:24 PM

      I am in California and have gone to a fantastic Thermography Center. Not covered by insurance but an worthwhile investment in my health.

      Reply
    • Sharon Black says

      October 18, 2017 at 1:06 AM

      If you can drive a little, there is a mobile thermography company based in Atlanta that sets up in Tampa and Titusville. https://www.atlanta-breast-thermography.com/locations

      Reply
  18. Murray Hill Farm says

    August 10, 2016 at 9:15 PM

    Get a grip. Touch yourself, do not do radiation. Duh. Grandma didn’t

    Reply
  19. Sheryl Senkiw says

    August 10, 2016 at 6:13 PM

    I had this done a few weeks ago. I am not sure what to do with the information though. I would like to also get an ultrasound, but every clinic wants to do a mammogram first, and I don’t want that.

    Reply
    • Kelly the Kitchen Kop says

      August 10, 2016 at 6:20 PM

      Mine didn’t show any problem areas so I’m just keeping at as a baseline.

      Reply
    • Jill-David Boman says

      August 10, 2016 at 7:57 PM

      As the patient you can still say no to anything. You can simply say you want an ultrasound and that’s it. If a clinic won’t do that for you, keep calling around till you find one who will. It’s business they can either have or give away to someone else. If something weird shows up in an ultrasound then you can make a decision about what to do from there, but an ultrasound can rule out a lot of stuff and give quite a bit of info. Also, have you followed through with the thermographer? Maybe they can point you in a good direction from here.

      Reply
    • Sheryl Senkiw says

      August 10, 2016 at 8:04 PM

      Jill-David Boman, I asked the thermographer if she knew of any place that would do an ultrasound without first doing a mammogram. She said, “no”, and asked me to tell her if I find one. They really push mammograms around here. They have places called “Breast Centers” but it is basically a place where everyone can go get their mammogram. Sadly, I believe many cancers are caused by mammograms, and it is likely that many of the cancers they detect will get worse due to the radiation from the mammogram.

      Reply
    • Jill-David Boman says

      August 10, 2016 at 8:07 PM

      Sheryl Senkiw Ugh. Keep calling–so sorry it’s been hard to find a place! But when you do, it’s gold (and they’ll get lots of business referred by the thermographer too)! You may have to try outside of your area even. It’s terrible when medical clinics are so behind the research. It takes an average of 17 years for research to trickle down into practice.

      Reply
    • Emily Ross says

      August 11, 2016 at 6:44 AM

      Might have to travel make a vacation out of it much as a non vacation as that sounds maybe make the best of it & take a road trip.

      Reply
  20. Mavis Megler says

    May 15, 2016 at 1:55 PM

    Prayers of Healing for Your 2 Dear Friends. <3

    Reply
  21. Heidi Young says

    May 15, 2016 at 6:07 AM

    It doesn’t matter what is found to beneficial. It’s all about what the insurance will approve.
    Insurance companies rule all of our health care.
    Their priority is making money, not saving lives.

    Reply
  22. Kate Bowen says

    May 14, 2016 at 8:02 PM

    Stephen Buhner has some amazing herbal medicine books! My CRT tests have been slightly differently run…but same idea. Highly suggest them! If in New England Sojourns Community Health Clinic and Groton Wellness both do these.

    Reply
  23. Kelly the Kitchen Kop says

    May 14, 2016 at 4:40 PM

    Bringing it up to them, but don’t know what they’ll do…

    Reply
  24. Joanne M Stephenson says

    May 14, 2016 at 3:45 PM

    parsley juice, turkey tail, essiac tea, graviola caps, B-17 caps, CBD oil and suppositories, burdock tea…garlic…they should have hope As there are many effective options for treating most cancers naturally. They need to find the source of excess hormones in their diet and remove them. Common culpruts are milk and chicken.

    Reply
  25. John says

    April 26, 2016 at 1:57 PM

    This technology is a fantastic aid to breast health and health in general. Just like sticking a thermometer in your mouth when you are sick, a thermogram can alert a doctor and patient to potential underlying issues that may be going on. The technology is not meant to be a “diagnostic’ equipment but a test. A safe test that requires no contact and emits no radiation. It is a shame that the industry is still somewhat unregulated (although the FDA does provide different system manufacturers with different indications for use).

    Reply
    • Theresa says

      May 15, 2016 at 3:49 PM

      Thanks Kelly for sharing this technology to the public, read http://www.thermascan.com to learn more about Thermology and new technologies that are the way.

      Reply
  26. KitchenKop says

    January 15, 2016 at 1:38 PM

    Hi Heidi, I’m so thankful that this post was helpful!!!! You made my day. 🙂
    Kel

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      May 15, 2016 at 3:01 PM

      Hi Kelly, I wanted to give an update on my own experience. I just got my 2nd thermogram done and am now a score of “1” on both breasts, down from a “4” on the right side! I religiously supplemented with iodine every single day for 4 months. That is the most consistent change I made. The more I read about iodine and thyroid/breast health – the more I’m convinced that deficiency may have something to do with our increase in breast cancer, esp in the midwest where there’s not many natural sources of iodine. Prayers for your friends!!

      Reply
      • KitchenKop says

        May 16, 2016 at 9:29 AM

        Heidi that is awesome, thanks so much for sharing this!!!!

        Kel

        Reply
  27. Heidi says

    January 14, 2016 at 9:09 PM

    Just wanted to thank you for this post, Kelly! Because of it, I ended up going to Grandville to get my thermogram, and received a TH score of “4” on one side – a high risk for malignant breast disease. I was rather shocked (I’ve breastfed for years, and have never been on hormonal birth control – but I had had fibrocystic issues on that side, so knew something was up). With that high of score, I reluctantly got my first mammogram and ultrasound as Dr. Auburn suggested. Both were negative thank God! So I’m taking some supplements Dr. Auburn suggested, and working on overall breast health (upping my iodine intake, vitamin D3, ditching my underwire bras, and implementing lymphatic drainage techniques. I’ll be getting a follow up thermogram in the next few months, and hoping the score has improved!! Though the experience caused some serious anxiety for a week or so, I am thankful for the “heads up” that I believe the thermogram gave me – to start focusing on taking better care of my breasts! Thanks.

    Reply
  28. KitchenKop says

    April 29, 2015 at 11:56 PM

    Hey everyone,

    There’s quite a conversation about all of this going on over at the WAPF Facebook page, check it out here:

    https://www.facebook.com/westonaprice/posts/10152677637255916

    One thing I wanted to copy over from there:

    Wendy Sellens Hi ladies! I am The Breast Doc president of The Women’s Academy of Breast Thermography and author of the first breast thermography book “Breast Cancer Boot Camp-Dr. Hobbins’s Thermography Revolution.” Love all your enthusiasm…but want to share the facts. Thermography is NOT regulated and most clinics are not performing it correctly. First, thermography is not diagnostic as it only measures skin temperature….but yes I’ve found cancer before a mammogram – watch my patients experience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eeygPc6AaM (you’ll have to copy and paste that link). Breast Thermography is incredible at screening the breasts when the images are in reverse gray, color is only used secondary. Cancer tends to forms specific patters in the blood vessels, which are visible in gray scale, that is why breast thermologist are monitoring for neoangiogensis and vascularity which is a “warning” signal, inflammation in the breasts is rare. Avoid clinics doing Full Body as thermography can only measure skin temperature, it can’t see deep into tissue, muscle or organs! Get the facts! Read the book or blogs at http://www.teeteesrevolution.com/blog and http://www.womensacademyofbreastthermography.com the largest resource of breast thermography information. Your breasts can’t lie!

    Reply
  29. Carol says

    April 22, 2015 at 8:08 PM

    Kelly, what are the 6 things you wished you had asked before your thermogram?

    Reply
    • KitchenKop says

      April 23, 2015 at 7:03 AM

      The 6 things are in the article I linked to above: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/christiane-northrup/the-best-breast-test-the-_b_752503.html

      Reply
  30. Mandy says

    April 22, 2015 at 2:50 PM

    After reading Theresa’s comments, I regret that this important topic about women’s breast health seems to have become a debate. I believe we are all interested in having healthful options available and hope we can support one another’s efforts. I have been a patient at Dr. Auburn’s office and have the greatest respect for her and her team.

    In reference to the autonomic or “cold” challenge, there is some debate. The latest research regarding this procedure can be found through the following link. The abstract indicates, “Conclusions are drawn from the available data that suggest the use of the cold challenge be left up to the discretion of the interpreting thermologist and not mandated with every thermogram.” https://www.advancedthermalimagingllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/IEEE-Dynam-StressTest2004-1.pdf

    It is true, some who offer thermal imaging services may be misleading as to the capabilities of thermal imaging technology. Advanced Thermal Imaging provides true infrared imaging of the body surface and supports Theresa’s comment that deep tissue and organs cannot be assessed using an infrared camera. As mentioned in my original comment, full body imaging can provide information on a number of conditions including diabetes, thyroid disorders, stroke, circulation problems, repetitive strain injuries, and chronic pain conditions, as well as lymphatic and dental which were mentioned by Theresa. It is important to note that the proper type of camera is needed to perform full-body imaging.

    Reply
  31. Theresa says

    April 22, 2015 at 1:05 PM

    So great you are spreading the word on thermograms! I actually work for the lab that Dr Ann Auburn sends her images for analysis. Therma-Scan has been providing infrared image analysis services for over 42 years. We are the only lab in North America solely dedicated to medical thermology (thermography) analysis. We have several affiliated imaging locations across the US. All those locations use our analysis services. Those locations can be found at http://www.thermascan.com click on the contact us tab. Also we provide imaging services directly at our Birmingham, Michigan location.

    On a side note to Mindy’s comment above the autonomic challenge is most certainly necessary for proper analysis. It is the only way to recognize unregulated flow of core body temperature blood to malignant breast tumors. It is also used to recognize that the increased heat is due to physiological reasons rather than structural reasons.

    Also, when looking for an imaging location please be wary of those offering “Full Body” imaging. As infrared imaging is the measurement of the natural emissions on the surface of the body there is no scientific basis for analysis of the whole body. Deep tissue and organs do not produce measurable heat to the skin’s surface. Studies that may be useful using infrared technology include those for circulation, thyroid, breast, pain/neurologic, lymphatic, and dental.

    Reply
  32. ChooseHealthyFoods says

    April 22, 2015 at 12:17 PM

    I had my baseline and breast followup thermograms last year. It was a great experience and I plan on making it part of my yearly wellness routine. My Naturopath was very impressed with the report reviewing all the images. I did a full-body scan and 3 months later just the breast scan. I will do a full body yearly, not that I am expecting anything to go wrong, but both my husband and I are fascinated by the technology. As we heal our bodies primarily through diet, it will be really neat to see the scans change!

    Reply
  33. Mandy says

    April 21, 2015 at 5:04 PM

    Thanks so much for posting this. Women need to be more informed about their options for breast health. I’d like to share that the most recent research indicates the cold challenge (holding your hands in ice water) is not necessary.

    Advanced Thermal Imaging of West Michigan (https://www.advancedthermalimagingllc.com/) – mentioned above – also has the capability to take full-body images. Full-body imaging can reveal thermal markers for a number of conditions including diabetes, thyroid disorders, stroke, circulation problems, repetitive strain injuries, and chronic pain conditions.

    Reply
  34. Shelley says

    April 21, 2015 at 2:12 PM

    Here is a place in Grand Rapids that is excellent. https://www.advancedthermalimagingllc.com/

    Reply
    • Emily says

      April 21, 2015 at 2:28 PM

      I love that they’ve come up with that option. Heard about it a few yrs. ago. I stand with those who believe mammograms can increase the chance of cancer. I mean, the dentist puts this heavy apron around you when s/he X-rays your teeth, right?

      Thanks for sharing, Kelly!

      Reply
  35. KitchenKop says

    April 21, 2015 at 12:09 PM

    You can definitely search online to find where to go for a thermogram, but my suggestion would be to ask your friends and family if they know of a good place OR ask your local Weston Price chapter if they have recommendations. (https://www.westonaprice.org/get-involved/find-local-chapter/)

    The first place I went to I didn’t get a good feeling about, but the place I’m going to now I love. (Ann Auburn in Grandville, please tell her I gave you her name. I’ll post more about my visits with her soon, today I just focused on the thermogram.)

    Kelly

    Reply
    • KitchenKop says

      April 21, 2015 at 12:11 PM

      Oh and if you have a naturopath or holistic professional you already know and trust, they’d be a great person to ask about where to go for a thermogram as well.

      Kelly

      Reply
    • Becky says

      April 21, 2015 at 12:48 PM

      Yay! Funny enough, I got her name years ago from a fellow RN at work. Glad to hear she’s still around and offering such great services! I’ll pass this on to my mom when the time is right. 😉

      Reply
  36. Jackie says

    April 21, 2015 at 10:31 AM

    This is an interesting article. I asked my doctor about getting a thermogram several years ago. She didn’t know what it was and would not help me locate the service in my area. I could travel 6 hours to a doctor and pay the entire cost, plus the entire doctor fee, neither are covered by my insurance when it is out of area. Even when recommended by the doctor, which in my case it was not. Still looking in my area — for a new doctor and a place that offers thermography.

    Reply
  37. Becky says

    April 21, 2015 at 9:52 AM

    🙂
    I’m curious where you went for your thermography. Is there a place in GR doing these that I don’t know about??

    Miss you! And thanks for posting this important information!

    Reply
  38. Renny says

    April 21, 2015 at 9:51 AM

    Is there a way to easily find places that offer this alternative?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      April 21, 2015 at 10:34 PM

      Check IACT International Academy of Clinical Thermology https://www.iact-org.org/ click on Qualified Centers in the top right corner.

      Reply
      • Kathy says

        April 23, 2015 at 12:38 AM

        https://www.iact-org.org/patients/breastthermography/mammography-vs-therm.html

        Reply
        • Kathy says

          April 23, 2015 at 12:46 AM

          Thermography is not meant to be used to replace your mammogram, it is meant to be used in conjunction with it! Read my above post from IACT!

          Reply

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