We hear so much about the importance of early detection for breast cancer to "save lives," but women really want to know how to PREVENT breast cancer. Early detection is not prevention. Prevention is supported through breast health education, risk factor awareness, and lifestyle modification. Now more than ever, women can capitalize on the preventive resources and tools available on their journeys to better breast health.
Any test that looks for cancer, even early, is an "after the fact" test: cancer has already developed. Women don't just want to detect breast cancer early; they want to prevent it. Women need a "before the fact" test...AND THIS IS IT!
Detection Focus"After the Fact" tests look for signs suggestive of cancer:
Mammography, Thermography, Ultrasound
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI)
Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan)
Prevention Focus"Before the Fact" tests look for signs suggestive of cancer's pre-cursors / risk factors causing inflammation:
Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI)
While none of the above-listed tests are truly diagnostic without a tissue sample (i.e. biopsy), many medical doctors think thermography and DITI are diagnostic. No tissue samples are collected for diagnosis!
In an effort to educate, DITI is a health discovery tool, not a diagnostic test. It is an elective and educational service that supports prevention. It helps women to visualize inflammation in the breasts due to potential risk factors such as lymphatic congestion, systemic inflammation, and/or excess estrogen stimulation.
Breast health management can ensue with educational support. Strategies typically involve modifications to diet, lifestyle, stress management and detoxification, which are recommended under the guidance of qualified functional healthcare providers. Breast health requires action with patience and persistence.
Is a woman's risk factor identification, education, and management her best offense towards prevention? The potential is certainly empowering and counter to the myth that women are powerless... just waiting to be diagnosed.