IMS Updates

Do Some Companies Use Different Autonomic or “Cold” Challenges Than IMS?

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:48:17 +0000

Do Some Companies Use Different Autonomic or “Cold” Challenges Than IMS?

The Short answer is “Yes”, but before we get into more detail, let’s review what an Autonomic or “Cold” Challenge is.

An Autonomic or "Cold" challenge is simply a functional evaluation of the body's normal response to conserve critical core body temperature by constricting nonessential blood vessels, such as those in the breast. If, during such a challenge, the blood vessels do not constrict, benign physiologic processes, such as pregnancy, lactation or hormonal imbalances, are ruled-out. For even more information, see our post to the question Is the Autonomic or “Cold” Challenge Necessary?

In 1989, our laboratory developed a protocol to be used between two identical sets of images, our “Cold” Challenge. Using this protocol, we could observe the abnormal nature of the blood flow to a tumor caused by the dysfunctional blood vessels nourishing it. Neo-angiogenisis, or new blood vessel creation, is critical to the development of a malignant tumor and they are of a decidedly abnormal architecture. Additionally, large quantities of nitric oxide produced by cancerous cells have the effect of a potent dilator of regional blood vessels. Both of these mechanisms provide an unregulated flow of core-body temperature blood into the proximity of malignant cells.

During our investigative and research process, it was clear that simple application of an external stimulus, cold, was not enough. If the water was too cold, a pain reaction would occur causing reactions other than those we were trying to observe. If the water was not cold enough, only a limited reaction could be seen. Another variable, time, was found to be critical. If too much time elapsed between the appropriate stimuli and the taking of the second set of images, the body would adapt and in many cases overcompensate for the reduced blood flow leaving a higher skin temperature than the baseline. If not enough time had elapsed, the full effects of the constriction of the normal blood vessels would not be seen, limiting the contrast between them and the abnormal blood vessels.

After over 2,000 studies were completed, we had developed the first, to our knowledge, documented and variable controlled intentional challenge to the autonomic nervous system designed specifically for use in Infrared Mammograms. This Autonomic or “Cold’ Challenge protocol calls for the immersion of the subject’s hands in 11 degree Centigrade water for 1 minute between two sets of identically positioned sets of Infrared Mammographic images.

Several other laboratories advocate other forms of Autonomic Challenge that utilize cold air drafts or an alcohol spray directed at a woman's breasts. We have tested these methods and found them to be vastly inferior and in many cases confusing because of the temperature imprints or artifacts they leave on the breast. Other laboratories require “five minutes of re-equilibrium” after the "Cold" Challenge before making the second set of images. This technique ignores the time-dependant nature of any physiologic response and the body’s natural reaction to any stress to which it is exposed.

All of these variant techniques of our Autonomic or "Cold" Challenge by their very nature produce complex and ambiguous results. In contrast, our protocol for the Autonomic or "Cold" Challenge has increased our overall diagnostic sensitivity to approximately 97% and, more importantly, the specificity has been increased to approximately 64%.

So, beware laboratories that either do not use or misuse the Autonomic Cold Challenge. They are not offering you the optimum results from your Infrared Mammogram.

Is the Autonomic or “Cold” Challenge Necessary?

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:45:16 +0000

Is the Autonomic or “Cold” Challenge Necessary?

We have had several questions as to whether or not the Autonomic or “Cold” Challenge IMS requires is necessary when performing an Infrared Mammography given today’s sensitive infrared cameras. Our answer is a resounding “YES”, and here’s why.

In the 1950’s and early 1960’s when the correlation between local heat patterns on the breast and a tumors existence was observed and documented, the early investigators theorized that the fast-growing cancer cells were radiating heat because of their increased metabolic activity. Approximately twenty years ago, this theory was abandoned as the source of cancer-related heat has been determined to be the body's core temperature blood as delivered to cancer cells by dys-functional blood vessels. Neo-angiogenisis, or new blood vessel creation, is critical to the development of a malignant tumor and they are of a decidedly abnormal architecture. Further, there was the discovery of large quantities of nitric oxide produced by cancerous cells with the effect of a potent dilation of regional blood vessels. Both of these mechanisms provide an unregulated flow of core-body temperature blood into the proximity of malignant cells.

The recognition of unregulated flow of core body-temperature blood to a malignant breast tumor as the cause of the abnormal skin heat is also to recognize that the increased heat is due to physiologic reasons rather than structural reasons. As a result, it is clear both the imaging method and the analytical techniques to interpret the image data tests must be adapted to measure physiologic not structural phenomena.

The first technique the early investigators applied to the analysis of medical thermal imaging was Pattern Recognition. This technique was first derived as a means of analyzing structurally-based imaging modalities, such as X-Ray Mammography. Pattern Recognition was applied as analytic technique to Infrared Mammography as it was any other imaging modality irrespective of the fact that Infrared Mammography's basis in physiology is fundamentally different from the structurally-based modalities. When used as a stand-alone means of analyzing Infrared Mammograms, Pattern Recognition provides with a good sensitivity (approx. 90%) but a rather poor specificity (>20%).

Every physiologic testing modality requires a functional means of analysis in order to realize its full diagnostic potential. An example of this can be appreciated by comparing the dramatic increase in diagnostic power derived of a stress EKG study from that of a resting EKG. An Autonomic of "Cold" challenge is simply a functional evaluation of the body's normal response to conserve critical core body temperature by constricting nonessential blood vessels, such as those in the breast. If, during such a challenge, the blood vessels do not constrict, benign physiologic processes, such as pregnancy, lactation, or hormonal imbalances, are ruled-out. We developed and applied the Autonomic or "Cold" challenge only after our own studies on thousands of patients demonstrated marked increases in the ability to distinguish correctly breast cancer from benign conditions. With the proper application of the protocol, our diagnostic sensitivity is approximately 97% and more importantly, the specificity on a standalone basis is approximately 64%.

Given the above, it is our contention that any interpretive service of infrared images that does not incorporate the Autonomic or “Cold” Challenge is either unaware of the progress that has been made in understanding the formation and growth of malignant tumors or has chosen to sacrifice the progress of the science on the altar of expediency. It is certainly easier and faster to interpret an Infrared Mammogram if no analytics are performed on the pre- and post- Autonomic of “Cold” Challenge images, but the resulting analysis is, at best, incomplete and, at worst, misleading.

Infrared Imaging In Breast Cancer

Infrared Medical Solutions — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:06:16 +0000

we studied angiogenesis by infra-red imaging camera in a large number of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, in 148 non-palpable cancers and in 20 inflammatory breast carcinomas.

Abstract:
In 1982, inspired by the notion of angiogenesis in experimentally transplanted cancer in animals showing that a small transplanted cancer could not "take" in the recipient organ unless tumor angiogenesis was established. We undertook a clinical research in 530 breast cancer patients who had previous mammography to see whether angiogenesis could be seen on mammography in early breast cancer and if so, could it have any impact on the detection of early breast cancer. Furthermore, we studied angiogenesis by infra-red imaging camera in a large number of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, in 148 non-palpable cancers and in 20 inflammatory breast carcinomas.

We found the following:

1. Angiogenesis was the first sign appearing on mammography before the appearance of image of breast cancer, predicting in 91 % of the cases which breast might develop breast carcinoma. This is an important finding in the detection of the early stages of breast cancer development.

2. Infra-red imaging goes hand in hand with mammography. Hypervascularity and hyperthermia could be shown in 86% of non-palpable breast cancer. In 15% it helped to detect the cancer upon an unsuspicious image on mammography.

3. Infra-red imaging was found to be the only test showing the efficiency of chemotherapy in inflammatory breast carcinoma.

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http://www.infraredmedicalsolutions.com/downloads/InfraredImagingInBreastCancerGamagami1997.pdf

A Comparative Review of Thermography as a Breast Screening Technique

Infrared Medical Solutions — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:38:29 +0000

In this review, each of the breast screening tools and their associated limitations are discussed, with a focus brought to thermography

Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer of women in North America. The probability of developing breast cancer increases with age and the largest risk factors associated with its development, specifically age and gender, are not modifiable. Despite advances in treatment that have reduced breast cancer mortality over the past two decades, next to lung cancer, this disease still remains the second leading cause of cancer induced death in women. Several well established tools are currently used to screen for breast cancer including clinical breast exams, mammograms, and ultrasound. Mammography has been the gold standard for screening breast cancer, though as a screening tool its sensitivity and specificity are limited. Ultrasound and clinical breast exams are adjunctive tools used in the breast screening process, particularly for women with mammographically dense breasts. Thermography, first introduced as a breast screening tool in 1956 has been approved for use by the FDA since 1982 and was initially well accepted. However, after a 1977 study found thermography to lag behind both mammography and ultrasound, the medical community quickly lost interest in this tool and its application has been greatly limited. In this review, each of the breast screening tools and their associated limitations are discussed, with a focus brought to thermography. No single screening tool provides excellent predictability but a combination of tools that also incorporates thermography has been shown to boost both sensitivity and specificity. In light of developments in computer technology, and the maturation of the thermographic industry, additional research is required to confirm and/or continue to develop the potential of this technology to provide a more effective noninvasive adjunctive tool to provide early detection of breast cancer.

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http://www.infraredmedicalsolutions.com/downloads/ComparativeReviewThermographyBreastScreening12-06-32.pdf

Biomedical Wellness Standoff Screening by Unsupervised Learning

Infrared Medical Solutions — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:04:43 +0000

Biomedical Wellness (BMW) surveillance system may become indispensible in public health

Abstract
Biomedical Wellness (BMW) surveillance system may become indispensible in public health riding on four confluent trends: (i) The surge of retirement waves of WWII baby boomers; (ii) The longevity of the seniors, thanks to 3 decades steady NIH budgets~$23B per year; (iii) The economic melting down is exasperating resources for entitlements; (iv) The emergent Next Gen Internet having the last mile challenges solved entirely and friendly with IT wired and wireless delivery system, thanks to DoD/DARPA pioneer and numerous entrepreneurs visionary efforts. To be effective in job re-creation in current economic slag, BMW needs a jump start, WH/HHS should establish a balanced investment policy in health care, not just to illness but to wellness, and a BMW blue ribbon panel (BMWbrp), which must be, however, independent of NIHbrp, recommending additional resources, say $5B budget for BMW infrastructure building that will surely create new jobs to prepare badly needed geriatric caretakers. Being governmental investment, the BMWbrp must come back with an upward-conversion compatible infrastructure Blue-Print, version#1, an open architecture of standard interfaces, workable with distributed data bases and programming languages. The infrastructure must be simple, transparent, scalable, to leverage with a win-win-win (senior) CRADA from the private investments worldwide, e.g. from the insurance companies and home security companies, etc. that can further attract senior community center BOT. To start whenever the rubber meets the road, we shall enlist the military infrastructure, their sensors suite located in DoD & DHS labs supported with their affiliated contractors and universities. However, the down selections should be done under open bids, oversight by BMWbrp, under HHS $5B budget, to translate their sophisticated military persistent and precision surveillance know-how technology to watch out, no longer the enemy of USA but also, the enemy of mankind, the malicious microorganisms and disorders. The degree of friendliness must be demanded and measured by the standoff methodology such as 4 nones: noninvasive, noncontact, and none-stop-to-measure, in this order.

Since the regulatory red tapes are historically targeted primarily at drug treatment of disease analysis in three phases progressions, there is no category or direct regulation rules for BMW investigations. Avoiding legal complication, one may wish to collaborate initially with the Far East as AFOSR/AOARD did well with their category IRB/PCF rules, because the BMW is a BMW, no matter where and who there are seniors. To facilitate this purpose, one may create BMW phase zero feasibility study worldwide, say as an earmark of US annul contribution to WHO, which would be a Middle East peace dividend for a global village Marshall Plan. All PI’s and inventors worldwide can test their own gadgets in these and other federal labs to serve three parties well, at least in one of the following resolution scales: (i) the users (seniors of a family, a large community retirement or senior center, Desert Storm return PDS veterans, etc) to be monitored; (ii) the caretakers including home visit aids, nurses and physicians, and (iii) the nerve center including PC and/or data bases, and 6W searching engine with 3W hub linked to US CDC, UN WHO in all regions on Earth. Thus, a smart daily user-friendly screening and diagnostics is ideal to read, analyze and tabulate both physiological and mental wellness signs in a household PC hub.

We illustrate such an end unit of the smart BMW sensor web, in order to capture early malign tumors by means of a doublet of two commercial FLIR cameras, emulating the Army one cryogenic camera for two passive infrared spectral bands called the 3rd Gen FLIR. The twin FLIR cameras must first solve, not without errors, the 3D-subject 2D-projection correspondence challenge, and then the pair spectral vector per pixel becomes amenable to a patented unsupervised, and thus un-cohort-bias, smart learning algorithm called the Blind Sources (malign vs. benign) Separation (BSS). To entice the cost-reduction of the 3rd Gen FLIR camera development, besides the current modest success of breast cancer watcher, we need join force in dual usages, namely watching noninvasively over potential skin cancers of return sun-over-exposure soldiers, and watching covertly the distant biometric surveillance by a passive facial vein map against terrorist attack.

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http://www.infraredmedicalsolutions.com/downloads/BioMedicalWellnessStandoffScreeningByUnsupervisedLearning.pdf

Efficacy of Computerized Infrared Imaging Analysis to Evaluate Mammographically Suspicious Lesions

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:01:37 +0000

The purpose of this clinical trial was to determine the efficacy of a dynamic computerized Infrared imaging system for distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions in patients undergoing biopsy on the basis of X-Ray Mammographic findings

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this clinical trial was to determine the efficacy of a dynamic computerized Infrared imaging system for distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions in patients undergoing biopsy on the basis of X-Ray Mammographic findings.

Subjects and Methods: A 4-year clinical trial was conducted at five institutions using Infrared imaging of patients for whom breast biopsy had been recommended. The data from a blinded subject set were obtained in 769 subjects with 875 biopsied lesions resulting in 187 malignant and 688 benign findings. The Infrared technique records a series of sequential images that provides an assessment of the Infrared information in an X-Ray Mammographically identified area. The suspicious area is localized on the Infrared image by the radiologist using X-Ray Mammograms, and an index of suspicion is determined, yielding a negative or positive result.

Results: In the 875 biopsied lesions, the index of suspicion resulted in a 97% sensitivity, a 14% specificity, a 95% negative predictive value, and a 24% positive predictive value. Lesions that were assessed as false-negative by Infrared analysis were microcalcifications, so an additional analysis was performed in a subset excluding lesions described only as microcalcification. In this restricted subset of 448 subjects with 479 lesions and 110 malignancies, the index of suspicion resulted in a 99% sensitivity, an 18% specificity, a 99% negative predictive value, and a 27% positive predictive value. Analysis of Infrared imaging performance in all 875 biopsied lesions revealed that specificity was statistically improved in dense breast tissue compared with fatty breast tissue.

Conclusion: Infrared Mammography offers a safe noninvasive procedure that would be valuable as an adjunct to X-Ray Mammography in determining whether a lesion is benign or malignant.

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http://www.infraredmedicalsolutions.com/downloads/ajr_biopsy_prediction2003.pdf

Effectiveness of a non-invasive Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging System in the detection of Breast Cancer

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:57:12 +0000

Infrared Mammography has resurfaced in this era of modernized computer technology

Abstract
Background; Infrared Mammography has resurfaced in this era of modernized computer technology. Its role in the detection of Breast Cancer is evaluated.

Methods; In this prospective clinical trial, 92 patients for whom a breast biopsy was recommended based on prior X-Ray Mammogram or Ultrasound underwent Infrared Mammography. Three scores were generated: an overall risk score in the screening mode, a clinical score based on patient information, and a third assessment by artificial neural network.

Results; Sixty of 94 biopsies were malignant and 34 were benign. Infrared Mammography identified 58 of 60 malignancies, with 97% sensitivity, 44% specificity, and 82% negative predictive value depending on the mode used. Compared to an overall risk score of 0, a score of 3 or greater was significantly more likely to be associated with malignancy (30% vs 90%, P < .03).

Conclusion; Infrared Mammography is a valuable adjunct to X-ray mammography and ultrasound, especially in women with dense breast parenchyma.

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http://www.infraredmedicalsolutions.com/downloads/DetectionOfBreastCancer.pdf

Application of second generation infrared imaging with computerized image analysis to breast cancer risk assessment

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:50:06 +0000

Infrared imaging of the breast for breast cancer risk assessment with a second generation focal plane staring array system was found to produce images superior to a first generation scanning system

Abstract
Infrared imaging of the breast for breast cancer risk assessment with a second generation focal plane staring array system was found to produce images superior to a first generation scanning system. The second generation system had greater thermal sensitivity, more elements in the image and greater dynamic range, which resulted in a greater ability to demonstrate asymmetric heat patterns in the breasts of women being screened for breast cancer. The improved imaging of the second generation infrared system allowed more objective and quantitative visual analysis, compared to the very subjective qualitative results of the first generation infrared system. The greater sensitivity and resolution of the digitized images of the second generation infrared system also allowed image analysis of total breasts, breast quadrants and hot spots to produce mean, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum temperatures.

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http://www.infraredmedicalsolutions.com/downloads/application_of_infrared_imaging.pdf

Infrared Imaging: making progress in fulfilling its medical promise

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:47:57 +0000

Discusses past, present, and future applications of infrared imaging in medicine

Abstract
Discusses past, present, and future applications of infrared imaging in medicine. The topics mentioned include: breast cancer; helmet-mounted infrared for battlefield medical application; burns; image analysis and algorithm development.

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http://www.infraredmedicalsolutions.com/downloads/infrared_imaging.pdf

Asymmetry analysis using automatic segmentation and classification for breast cancer detection in thermograms

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:45:07 +0000

Thermal infrared imaging has shown effective results as a diagnostic tool in breast cancer detection

Abstract
Thermal infrared imaging has shown effective results as a diagnostic tool in breast cancer detection. It can be used as a complementary to traditional mammography. Asymmetry analysis are usually used to help detect abnormalities. However, in infrared imaging, this cannot be done without human interference. This paper proposes an automatic approach to asymmetry analysis in thermograms. It includes automatic segmentation and pattern classification. Hough transform is used to extract the four feature curves that can uniquely segment the left and right breasts. The feature curves include the left and the right body boundary curves, and the two parabolic curves indicating the lower boundaries of the breasts. Upon segmentation, unsupervised learning technique is applied to classify each segmented pixel into certain number of clusters. Asymmetric abnormalities can then be identified based on pixel distribution within the same cluster. Both segmentation and classification results are shown on images captured from Elliott Mastology Center.

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http://aicip.ece.utk.edu/publication/01ir.pdf

Infrared Imaging in Medicine

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:40:38 +0000

This article discusses some new developments in medical thermography

Abstract
This article discusses some new developments in medical thermography, including the new-generation infrared technologies, the smart image processing algorithms, and the pathophysiological-based understanding of infrared images. These developments have largely advanced the role of thermography in health monitoring and examination, as well as in assisting diagnosis.

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http://aicip.ece.utk.edu/publication/06thermography.pdf

Use of digital infrared imaging in enhanced breast cancer detection and monitoring of the clinical response to treatment

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:38:28 +0000

Infrared imaging of the breast has been primarily hampered by the many factors inherent in its technology

Abstract
Infrared imaging of the breast has been primarily hampered by the many factors inherent in its technology. With the use of computer automated digital infrared technology, problems with subjectivity, reproducibility and spatial localization have been eliminated. The digital infrared imaging (DII) discussed herein has 99% detection sensitivity in a study of 109 tissue proven cases of breast cancer. Its sensitivity has been successfully demonstrated in lesions as small as 4 mm. Additionally, DII, can now be used in the clinical monitoring of localized breast cancer to access therapeutic response. In conjunction with mammography and ultrasound, DII can be utilized in the early detection of breast cancer.

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http://www.infraredsciences.com/pdf/IEEE%20Biomedical%20Imag.pdf

The important role of infrared imaging in breast cancer

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:33:04 +0000

The results reported support the use of IR imaging in risk assessment, detection, and as a prognostic indicator.

Abstract
The results reported support the use of IR imaging in risk assessment, detection, and as a prognostic indicator. We present preliminary evidence showing that the improvements in technology that have been incorporated into second-generation, focal-plane, indium-antimonide detector systems can significantly improve breast IR images.

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http://www.iamtonline.org/breastcancer.pdf

New IMS Network Partner Bradenton Community Acupuncture

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:25:48 +0000

The team from IMS would like to welcome Kim Brooker L. Ac., D.O.M and her staff at Bradenton Community Acupuncture in Bradenton, Florida as our newest IMS network partner.

"We're excited to have you join us and wish you and your practice the best of luck in the future."

IMS Webinar

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:40:39 +0000

Infrared Mammography - A Paradigm Shift In Early Detection

Infrared Medical Solutions is proud to present

Infrared Mammography - A Paradigm Shift In Early Detection

Infrared Medical Solutions, a recognized leader in the early detection of breast cancer invites you to join us for a presentation on the evolving role of Infrared Mammography in the early detection of breast cancer. The panel discussion speakers include Phillip Hoekstra Ph D and Robert Kagan MD. Dr Hoekstra is expert in the field of breast thermology and is presently the President of The American Academy of Thermology and the Chief Science officer at Infrared Medical Solutions. Dr. Kagan is nationally recognized in the fields of Nuclear Medicine and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and is the Medical Director of the MRI Scan & Imaging Centers. The presentation will explore the current modalities used in breast cancer detection and the enhanced role of infrared mammography as the current guidelines for breast cancer screening continue to be challenged by objective clinical studies.

Click here:

Play Presentation

New IMS Network Partner Featured In The News

Infrared Medical Solutions — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:44:23 +0000

Dr. Bauerschmidt & Breast Thermography Featured on Channel 7 News

Dr. Bauerschmidt and Breast Thermography were featured on WSVN Channel 7 News on January 18th. Channel 10 also featured Dr. Bauerschmidt & Breast Thermography in December. See the videos here.

IMS In The News

Infrared Medical Solutions — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:29:47 +0000

IMS And The Eclipse Imaging System Showcased On WPLG Channel 10 News

Source Link
JustNews

FORT LAUDERDALE, November 19, 2009 – PRESS RELEASE

Infrared Medical Solutions — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:42:02 +0000

Infrared Medical Solutions (IMS) understands the confusion and misunderstanding experienced by both the public and medical professionals generated by the new recommendations of the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF), screening women for breast cancer using X-Ray mammograms.

The most controversial of the USPSTF recommendations are “against routine screening (X-Ray) Mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years” and “biennial (every two years) screening (X-Ray) Mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years”. Parentheses added.

The USPSTF statement lists breast density in younger women as one of the factors in the effectiveness of X-Ray Mammography in accurately detecting breast cancer (sensitivity) and identifying women who do not have breast cancer (specificity).

Fortunately, there is a FDA approved screening method that is ideal for screening younger women with dense breasts and complements X-Ray Mammography for older women on those alternating years, Infrared Mammography. According to the National Cancer Institute, Infrared Mammography provides “probably the earliest means of detecting breast cancer”

Infrared Mammography, because of the way it screens for breast cancer, is not affected by breast tissue density. In addition, it does not use harmful radiation in the screening process which the report states “may increase the risk for breast cancer”. Infrared Mammography can detect breast cancer and its pre-cancerous stages five to eight years prior to X-Ray Mammography allowing the patient and physician to chose from a wider range of treatment options than if the cancer were caught in a later stage.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in young women under the age of 40. Each year more than 10,000 young women are diagnosed with breast cancer and for more than 1,000 of these women the disease is fatal. Many younger women mistakenly think that breast cancer is just something that happens to older women. We believe the use of Infrared Mammography would prevent needless deaths of women, especially young women, in light of the USPSTF recommendations.

Infrared Medical Solutions

Infrared Medical Solutions’ mission is to provide a complete infrared breast screening solution, advocate the science of Infrared Mammography to insurers, healthcare providers and the general public, and to advancing the body of scientific knowledge for Infrared Mammography.

Infrared Mammography offers the earliest detection of breast cancer possible, up to 8 years before traditional X-Ray Mammography, without painful compression or use of ionizing radiation making it ideal for women of all ages.

For more information about Infrared Medical Systems, please visit our website, www.infraredmedicalsolutions.com .

Oregon Attorney General Closes Thermography Clinic

Infrared Medical Solutions — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:58:47 +0000

Those Practicing FDA Approved Breast Cancer Screening Modality Called "Medical Impostors"

FORT LAUDERDALE, April 9, 2009 - PRESS RELEASE
Infrared Medical Solutions was disappointed to hear that Oregon Attorney General John Kroger announced in an April 3, 2009 statement that he shut down a Medford health clinic that "endangered Oregon women by misrepresenting a breast cancer detection procedure", i.e. Thermology.

"Putting the lives of women at risk is unconscionable", Attorney General Kroger was quoted as saying. "Given the lethal consequences of delaying detection of such a deadly cancer, I am giving medical imposters fair notice that these types of misrepresentations will not be tolerated."

Annette Wildenauer, President of Infrared Medical Solutions responded by saying, "It is clear that we have not fulfilled our mandate to educate people at all levels about the science behind Thermology if the Oregon Attorney General considers those practicing Thermology as 'medical impostors'".

"Clearly, he is unaware that The US Dept of Health, Education and Welfare listed Thermology as a diagnostic technique for the detection of breast cancer and vascular diseases in 1972 and the US Food & Drug Administration reaffirmed Thermology as a diagnostic technique for breast cancer in 1982 and again in 2005 (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Vol. 8, 21 CFR 884.2980)." she said.

However, state officials also said the owner(s) of the clinic engaged in fraudulent billing practices and they sometimes altered billing codes to obtain unwarranted reimbursement from insurers as well as falsely claiming to be licensed as a registered nurse, chiropractor, medical doctor, and naturopath.

"If these allegations are true, we concur with the Oregon Attorney General's decision to force the clinic to close". Ms. Wildenauer went on to say, "It is unquestionably wrong to commit fraud and misrepresent your medical licensure under any circumstances. We just wish the Attorney General had focused on the laws that were broken, an area in which he has a great deal of expertise, rather than making statements about the efficacy of Thermology and Infrared Mammography, an area in which he has no expertise. We invite Mr. Kroger to visit our website and learn about the results of over 800 studies encompassing over 300,000 women that clearly demonstrate the value and legitimacy of Infrared Mammography."

Infrared Medical Solutions
Infrared Medical Solutions' mission is to provide a complete infrared breast screening solution, advocate the science of Infrared Mammography to insurers, healthcare providers and the general public, and to advancing the body of scientific knowledge for Infrared Mammography.

Infrared Mammography offers the earliest detection of breast cancer possible, up to 8 years before traditional X-Ray Mammography, without painful compression or use of ionizing radiation making it ideal for women of all ages.

For more information about Infrared Medical Systems, please contact Chris Whidden at (707) 799-7770 or visit our website, www.infraredmedicalsolutions.com

Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz Introduces EARLY Act

Infrared Medical Solutions — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:53:37 +0000

The Education And Awareness Requires Learning Young Act (EARLY Act) To Address Breast Cancer Risks Facing Young Women Under 40

FORT LAUDERDALE, March 23, 2009 - PRESS RELEASE

Infrared Medical Solutions commend Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) for introducing legislation that addresses the breast cancer risks facing young women under 40.

The Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act (EARLY Act) directs the Centers for Disease Control to develop and implement a national education campaign to increase awareness of the threats posed by breast cancer in young women of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and the particular heightened risks faced by certain groups. The campaign will help young women and providers identify the specific threats and warning signs of breast cancer that lead to early diagnoses, and prevention efforts women can undertake to reduce their risks. (continued)

Count Down To Eclipse

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:53:31 +0000

Release Date Set For New Imaging System

Infrared Medical Solutions, a leading provider of high quality Medical Infrared Imaging (MII) solutions sets release date for Eclipse.

Making its long awaited debut onto the North American healthcare marketplace, the Eclipse Imaging System, by IMS, is set to release for US distribution on January 1st 2008. An FDA 510K approved screening technology; the Eclipse was specifically designed to capture important physiological information, such as autonomic nerve dysregulation, metabolic disturbances and neo-angiogenesis - key first stage markers of early breast disease.

Infrared Mammography works by providing detailed images of a patients naturally emitting infrared energy. Specific energy patterns act as clear indicators of a patient's metabolic and vascular health.

"With the release of Eclipse, IMS hopes to usher in a new evolution in Infrared Mammography" - (Mara Faccenda, IMS Sales Director). In a recent comparison of leading devices, the Eclipse imaging system out shined most competitive systems in a number of key measures, including: sensitivity, resolution, and optics. For a complete product comparison, or information on pre-order availability contact an IMS consultant today.

Keywords: Infrared Medical Solutions, Eclipse Imaging System, Thermography, Thermogram, Medical Infrared Imaging, Neo Angiogenesis, Early detection, Breast Disease, Breast Cancer

ACAM In Orlando

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 06:13:43 +0000

Infrared Medical Solutions To Attend ACAM

April 9th - 13th 2008

Come see us in Orlando. Infrared Medical Solutions will be attending the ACAM Conference Spring 2008. The Conference will focus on Cardiovascular Disease and Inflammation in an Integrative Approach. This event will draw upon nationally and internationally noted physicians and research experts to teach practicing clinicians about the latest breakthroughs and scientific advances relevant to the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

The Status and Future of Diagnostic Infrared Imaging for Breast Cancer

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:13:34 +0000

Guest Editorial

The Status and Future of Diagnostic Infrared Imaging for Breast Cancer

Ancient physicians lacked the scientific rationale for medical practices that we take for granted in the modern era. Without any concept of the causative mechanisms, the earliest surviving medical texts describe a practical wisdom that associated body heat with the life process, excess body heat with certain diseases and precipitusly cooling after death. (1) So too was it in 1956, with the advent of the first analog infrared imagers, a physician first observed unusual "hot spots" overlying known breast cancers. (2) Early investigators speculated that the basis for the hot skin patterns overlying breast cancer was local inflammation or attributed to the inefficiencies of cancer's divergent metabolism. (3,4) Amazingly invasive clinical experiments of the era revealed some features of the heat flow in the breast but did not reveal the fundimental basis for the hot patterns associated with breast cancer. (5,6) A simple calculation of the energy requirements to maintain the increased temperatures commonly encountered with breast cancer effectively eliminates locally generated metabolic heat as a possible mechanism for the hot patterns related to breast cancer. (7)

Early thermographers started with a broad knowledge of breast cancer pathology and developed an applied emperical method from their experience with infrared imaging of many patients as part of a comprehensive diagnostic work-up and biopsy. Under the best of circumstances, the most expert of these early emperical thermographers achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 72%. (8) While almost all breast cancers
produce patterns of elevated skin temperatures, the specificity of their empirical
methodology was invariably poor as it was confounded by noncancerous conditions
that also present "hot spots." It was the poor specificity demonstrated by the
empirical application of thermography in the National Cancer Institute's Breast
Cancer Detection Demonstration Project that was cited as the reason breast
thermography was not recommended for wide clinical application.⁹ As
a result, Medicine relegated thermography and promoted X-ray mammography as the
singular screening modality for breast cancer. Fundamental limitations have
constrained X-ray mammography from satisfactorily fulfilling the important role
as a primary screening modality for breast cancer. Recently revised clinical
guidelines that do not recommend screening X-ray mammography for women under 50 years and biennial screening of women aged 50 to 74 appear paradoxical to the
persistently high incidence and serious risk of death from breast cancer outside
the context of the limitations of X-ray mammography.¹⁰ The diagnostic sensitivity of X-ray mammography is significantly diminished for premenopausal women, pregnant or lactating women, women with fibrocystic/dense breasts, women with unusually large or small breasts, women with prior biopsies, women with mammoplasty or reductions, menopausal women taking HRT, and women with fast-growing carcinomas. Screening X-ray mammography demonstrates 20% false-negative rate (40% for women under 50), an 83% false-positive rate, and a 10% to 15% interval diagnosis of breast cancer in less than one year.¹¹2500 women require annual screening X-ray mammograms for 10 years to prevent the death of 1 woman, while 1000 of those women would have at least one false-positive finding, and 500 women would undergo unnecessary biopsy.¹²Worse, breast cancer would be overdiagnosed in 5 to 15 women, who will needlessly receive treatment with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy singularly or in combination.¹² X-ray mammography is now controversial as a primary screening tool for breast cancer and has not demonstrated the ability to detect the different varieties of breast cancer for the at-risk population at a stage early enough to save lives.^13,14 However, most practitioners don't get this information. Certainly, it is not part of the annual public exhortation of "breast cancer awareness" month.

Diagnostic infrared imaging has a well-established scientific basis as a biomarker for breast cancer. Two abnormal mechanisms, dysfunctional neoangiogenic blood vessels and the strong dilatory effect of nitric oxide, are responsible for the "hot spots"
associated with breast cancer as the dysregulated hyperemia of core body-temperature blood flows to a relatively superficial area.^15-18 New generations of high-resolution digital instruments combined with methodology intended to differentially indicate breast cancer and the standardized reporting format of the Marseille System (TH-1-TH-5) have enabled an objective and quantitative analytic system for diagnostic infrared imaging for breast cancer with high sensitivity and specificity. These developments are a sharp departure from the empirical origins of judgment-based thermography that is characterized by the term thermology, a young but proper medical science. Applying these abilities into a clinical diagnostic tool has yielded a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 91% in a large-scale clinical study, a
substantial improvement over that of the earlier era.¹⁹ Currently, there are well over 800 peer-reviewed clinical studies on diagnostic infrared imaging for breast cancer in the Index Medicus literature with a database in excess of 300,000 women participating in these studies, often in large cohorts and some followed up to 12 years.

With these developments, breast thermology should be progressing into medicine's mainstream. However, diagnostic infrared imaging is an unregulated activity without effective practice guidelines. The lack of national standards has permitted a new
generation of pretentious thermographers to disregard the relevant developments
of the past 50 years and practice a obsolete form of judgment-based empirical thermography without the comprehensive multidisciplinary experience that enabled the early successes.^20,21

Currently, a variety of companies provide a broad range of infrared devices and reporting services, making diagnostic claims for breast cancer detection. Recently published studies based upon this underclass technology have demonstrated the vastly inferior diagnostic sensitivity to the clinical studies of 40 years ago and belie the real abilities of modern thermology.²² More appalling are the incredible
claims of "whole body" diagnostic studies for "visceral health," "digestive disorders: irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis and Crohn's disease," "immune dysfunction," "nutritional disease (alcoholism, diabetes)," "chronic fatigue," and "gingivitis" that are unsubstantiated by any proper studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Thermal imaging of the skin is certainly nonspecific and insensitive for pathologies in the core of the body with no demonstrated diagnostic ability to indicate inflammatory or hypermetabolic processes in the body's core.²³ Diagnostic thermal imaging is not a
legitimate tool for every medical condition, and claims for these novel applications are speculative and without diagnostic parameters at best and probably misleading. These preposterous claims can be seen as evidence of defective scholarship, doubtful veracity, and/or overriding financial interests. These unsubstantiated diagnostic claims have evoked the FDA to issue formal warning letters to some of the equipment providers.^24-26 Some companies involved with the sale of infrared imaging systems and the judgment-based thermography reporting services have created clinical thermography "professional" organizations rather than participate in established peer
professional organizations. These petty organizations are simple inventions
centered on proprietary interests with the purpose of justifying an obsolete methodology and covering their otherwise lack of relevant professional credential with daisy-chained and vapid "board certifications." Considering the bold and unsubstantiated claims made by self-proclaimed thermographers sporting meaningless "certifications," is it any wonder that many sincere medical professionals don't know what to make of diagnostic infrared evaluation for breast cancer detection? All this considered, I call for responsible physicians and scientists involved in breast thermology to join with me in the formation of an interest group in order to
advise professional organizations and regulatory agencies in matters of policy
and practice.

REFERENCES

1. Breasted JH. The Edwin Smith Papyrus. New York Historical Society; 1922.

2. Lawson R. Implications of surface temperatures in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Canad Med Assn J. 1956;75:309-310.

3. Lawson RN. Thermography - a new tool in the investigation of breast cancer. Can Serv Med J. 1957;13:517-518.

4. Head JF, Elliott RL. Thermography. Its relation to pathologic characteristics, vascularity, proliferation rate, and survival of patients with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Cancer. 1997;79:186-188.

5. Lawson, op. cit.

6. Lawson RN, Chughtai MS. Breast cancer and body temperatures. Can Med Assoc J. 1963;88: 68-70.

7. Anbar M. Hyperthermia of the cancerous breast: analysis of mechanism. Cancer Lett. 1994.

8. Isard HI, Ostrum RJ, Shilo R. Thermography in breast carcinoma. Surg Gyne Obst. 1969;128:1294.

9. Baker LH. Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project: five year summary report. CA Cancer J Clin. 1982;32:192-225.

10. Screening for Breast Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Ann Internal Med. 2009(151);10:716-726.

11. Lidbrink E, Elfving J, Frisell J, Jonsson J. Neglected aspects of false-positive findings of mammography in breast cancer screening: analysis of the false-positive cases from the Stockholm Trial. BMJ. 1996;312:273.

12. Kalagar M, Zelen M, Langmark , et al. Effect of screening mammography on breast cancer mortality in Norway. N Engl J Med. 2010;363:1203-1210.

13. Miller AB, To T, Baines CJ, Wall C. The Canadian National Breast Screening Study-1: breast cancer mortality after 11 to 16 years of follow-up: a randomized screening trial of mammography in women age 40 to 49 years. Ann Int Med. 2002;137(5, part 1):305-312.

14. Olsen O, Gotzsche PC. Cochrane review on screening for breast cancer with mammography. Lancet. 2001(358);9290:1340-1342.

15. Loibl, S. Buck A, Strank C, et al. The role of early expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in human breast cancer. Eur J Cancer. 2005(41);2:265-271.

16. Thornsen LL, Miles DW, Happerfield L, Bobrow LG, Knowles RG, Moncada S.
Nitric oxide synthese activity in human breast cancer. Br J Cancer. 1995 July;72(1):41-44.

17. Reveneau G, Arnould L, Jolimoy G, et al. Nitric oxide synthase in human breast cancer is associated with tumor grade, proliferation rate, and expression of progesterone receptors. Lab Invest. 1999(79);10:1215-1225.

18. Martin JHJ, Begum S, Alalami O, Harrison A, Scott KWM. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase: correlation with histologic grade, lymph node status and estrogen receptor expression in human breast cancer. Tumor Biol. 2000;21:90-97.

19. Hoekstra P. The autonomic challenge and analytic breast thermology. Thermol Int. 2004(14);3:106.

20. Cockburn W. Announcement of official change in thermal reporting [online
document]. Meditherm Clinic. July 26, 2005.

21. Leando P. Cold stressing breasts and why don't we do it anymore and the thermal rating system [blog entry]. American College of Clinical Thermology. available
at aact-blog.com.

22. Kontos M, Wilson R, Fentiman I. Digital infrared thermal imaging of breast lesions: sensitivity and specificity of detection of primary breast cancers. Clin Radiol. 2011 June;66(6):536-539.

23. Loviagin EV, Mus VF, Litvinov PD, Iakovleva LA. Possibilities of contact chromatic thermography in the diagnosis of lung cancer. Med Radiol (Mosk). 1991;36:11-14.

24. US Food and Drug Administration. Warning letter to Central Coast thermography [online document]. http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2011/ucm245253.htm.

25. US Food and Drug Administration. Warning letter to Dr. Joseph Mercola. http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2011/ucm250701.htm.

26. US Food and Drug Administration. Warning letter to Dr. Peter Leandro.
[online document] http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm249863.htm.

Dr. Hoekstra Selected for Lecture at Wayne State

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:56:04 +0000

Dr. Hoekstra selected for lecture to Faculty and Graduate Students at Wayne State University's School of Medicine on Thursday, Feb. 3rd, 2011.

Infrared Medical Solutions is excited and proud to announce that our
Chief Science Officer, Dr. Philip Hoekstra has been invited by Dr.
Felix Hong of the Department of Physiology at Wayne State University
to lecture to the faculty and graduate students in the Dept. of Physiology at Wayne State University's school of Medicine on Thursday, February 3rd, 2011. Dr. Hoekstra received his Master's degree from the WSU Medical School's Dept of Physiology on the completion of his work on neurology and vascular physiology. This work included an extensive surgical project on tricuspid valvulectomy.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Hoekstra on this prestigious
invitation.

IMS Press Release: FDA Warning Letters

Infrared Medical Solutions — Tue, 03 May 2011 10:00:00 +0000

IMS Press Release: FDA Warning Letters

Low Vitamin D Levels Common in Breast Cancer

Infrared Medical Solutions — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:40:58 +0000

Researchers Suggest Women With Breast Cancer Be Tested, Given Vitamin D Supplements if Needed

WebMD Health News - Dec. 14, 2010
By Charlene Laino
More than half of women with breast cancer have low vitamin D levels,
British researchers report.

"Women with breast cancer should be tested for vitamin D levels and offered supplements, if necessary," says researcher Sonia Li, MD, of the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Middlesex, England. The findings were presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

Some studies have suggested a link between low vitamin levels and breast cancer risk and progression, but others have not, she says. No studies have proven cause and effect.

Previous research suggests a biologic rationale for vitamin D putting the brakes on breast cancer development and spread, Li says.

Breast cancer cells have vitamin D receptors, and when these receptors are activated by vitamin D, it triggers a series of molecular changes that can slow cell growth and cause cells to die, she says.

Even if it does not have a direct effect on the tumor, vitamin D is needed to maintain the bone health of women with breast cancer, Li says. That's especially important given the increasing use of aromatase inhibitors, which carry an increased risk of bone fractures, she says.

Vitamin D is found in some foods, especially milk and fortified cereals, and is made by the body after exposure to sunlight. It is necessary for bone health.

More Than 50% of Women Tested Have Low Vitamin D Levels

For the study, Li and colleagues collected blood samples from 166 women with breast cancer and measured their levels of vitamin D.

Of the total, 46% had vitamin D insufficiency, defined as levels between 12.5 and 50 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) of blood. Another 6% had vitamin D deficiency, with levels lower than 12.5 nmol/L.

When ethnicity was considered, vitamin D levels were lower in Asian women than in white or other women: an average of about 36 nmol/L vs. 61 nmol/L and 39 nmol/L, respectively.

The researchers theorized that vitamin D levels would be higher in the summer, when there are more daylight hours, but the study showed no association between vitamin D levels and seasons.

Last month, the U.S. Institute of Medicine issued updated guidelines stating that a blood level of 50 nmol/L (or 20 nanograms/milliliter) is sufficient for 97% of people.

Edith Perez, MD, director of the breast cancer program at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., tells WebMD that there is not enough evidence to support routine testing of women with breast cancer.

"But if women happen to be tested and have levels below that called for in the Institute of Medicine report, we prescribe supplements," she says. "That's not just for breast cancer, but for bone health, too."

Source Link
http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20101213/low-vitamin-d-levels-common-in-breast-cancer

New Study Shows X-Ray Mammography Less Effective Than Originally Thought

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:45:19 +0000

Mammogram may not detect tumors in 40-somethings Stanford University researchers found it's not an effective screening tool for women in their 40s because a tumor and the patient's tissue appear to be the same color.

Newsday September 22, 2010
Scientists are reporting in a new study that mammography is not an effective screening tool for women in their 40s because a tumor and the patient's tissue appear to be the same color.

??Stanford University researchers reporting in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute said while the screening technique works best for women older than 50, the denser tissue of younger women tends to obscure tumors.

??For years, doctors have known that tumors and dense tissue tend to appear white on a mammogram. In women who have undergone menopause, breast tissue often appears gray on a mammogram, so the sharp color contrast of the tumor is not as difficult to miss.??

The researchers used an assessment technique called the Breast Cancer Screening Simulator to create hypothetical screening scenarios whereby they could estimate the median tumor size detectable on a mammogram and the tumor growth rate in women in two groups: those aged 40 to 49 and 50 to 69. The technique, based on medical data, revealed that tumors grow faster in younger women and are more difficult to detect.

??"It's true that these younger patients have denser breasts and tumors can hide," said Dr. Rajiv Datta, medical director of the cancer center at South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside, N.Y. "You get a whiteout effect. ...??"We never rely on mammography alone," he said.

"We take a detailed family history of younger women and also conduct other testing."

??Alternate imaging can help doctors discern the presence of a tumor when mammograms leave questionable results, Datta said. Sonograms are a secondary form of testing for younger women. No form of screening is perfect, Datta added, which is why physicians increasingly turn to multiple methods of assessment.

??"We are in a situation now where we are trying to balance the use of technology as we try to learn more about the life cycle of cancer."

Source Link
http://www.wsaw.com/home/headlines/47165167.html

Fish Oil Linked To Lower Breast Cancer Risk

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:56:10 +0000

Health.com - July 8, 2010
By Amanda Gardner
Millions of Americans already take fish oil to keep their hearts healthy and to treat ailments ranging from arthritis to depression. Now, a new study suggests that the supplements may also help women lower their risk of breast cancer.

Postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 76 who took fish oil were 32 percent less likely to develop certain types of breast cancer than women who didn't, the study found.

The researchers looked at 14 other popular supplements (including gingko biloba, black cohosh, soy, and St. John's wort), but only fish oil -- which contains concentrated amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, tuna, and other fish -- had any connection to breast cancer risk.

Despite their findings, the researchers say it's too soon to recommend that women start taking fish oil to stave off breast cancer.

"People should try to achieve nutrients through a healthy diet, so eating fish is a better recommendation than fish oil," says the lead author of the study, Dr. Emily White, Ph.D, an epidemiologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, in Seattle, Washington. "We think that fish oil is promising in terms of disease prevention, but it's not proven."

White and her colleagues measured fish oil consumption using surveys, and they simply compared the rates of breast cancer diagnosis among women who took the supplements and women who did not. Though their analysis took a number of other factors into account (such as age, family history of breast cancer, and whether the women were on hormone therapy), unknown factors could have affected the results.

"We tried to equalize the two groups in terms of other health behaviors, but only a randomized trial would offer more definitive information," White says, referring to a study in which women would be randomly assigned to receive fish oil or a placebo.

In the past, a number of studies similar to White's that have found an apparent link between supplements and reduced cancer risk haven't been confirmed by more rigorous studies, says Dr. Jay Brooks, M.D., an oncologist at Ochsner Health System, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

"This is an interesting study, but we've done a lot of [these] studies that have turned out not to be helpful in terms of prostate cancer prevention," Brooks says.

Still, it's plausible that fish oil could lower breast cancer risk. The unsaturated fatty acids in the oil are believed to tamp down inflammation, which plays a role in some cancers as well as heart disease. Fish oil supplements, which have been shown to lower blood pressure and triglycerides (a type of blood fat), are most commonly taken to improve heart health.

The new findings "reinforce something that most of us feel in our hearts but are struggling to prove," says Dr. David Pearlstone, M.D., chief of the division of breast surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, in New Jersey. "Fish oil probably is really good for you in a lot of ways, but the data has been [slow] in coming."

The study, which appears in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, included about 35,000 women without breast cancer living in Washington State. Between 2000 and 2002, the women filled out questionnaires about their past and present supplement use, medical history, and lifestyle.

Roughly 8 percent of the women had taken fish oil at some point. Of those women, 83 percent said they took fish oil supplements at least four times a week, and 60 percent said they took them daily. The researchers had no way of verifying that, however, or of knowing the doses each woman was taking.

Over the next six years, 880 of the study participants (or about 2.5 percent) got breast cancer. The women who were taking fish oil when the study began had a reduced risk of invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer. Fish oil did not seem to affect the risk of lobular cancer.

Americans spent $739 million on fish oil supplements in 2008, according to the Nutrition Business Journal. Although more research is needed before doctors begin recommending fish oil to women, using already-popular supplements to reduce breast cancer risk holds a lot of appeal.

"It would be an easy intervention," says Pearlstone.

Source Link
http://news.health.com/2010/07/08/fish-oil-breast-cancer/

Keeping Abreast Of New Technology

Infrared Medical Solutions — Fri, 21 May 2010 19:20:00 +0000

BBC - May 19, 2010
By Jerome Burne
When Kate Monks found another lump in her breast she decided to turn to the latest technology.

An infra-red screening device has proven to be particularly successful at detecting breast abnormalities in younger women.

At 42, Kate found the scan far more comfortable and less intrusive than the traditional mammogram.

Cambridge researchers said using both the scan and mammogram "significantly increased" cancer detection rates.

"When you find a lump it's terrible," said Kate. "Everything goes through your mind. Your life flashes before you."

'Filing cabinet'

Kate decided to try the new scanner - although it is currently only available on a private basis.

Having had mammograms in the past, she was amazed at the difference between those and the digital scanning equipment.

"A mammogram is quite invasive and uncomfortable," said Kate.

Professor Wishart and the infra-red breast scanner

"It's a bit like putting your breast in a filing cabinet, to be honest.

"I found out about the scanner and thought I'd give it a go.

"It's non-invasive. You sit back - and of course you're topless - but you just put your hands behind your head and then it's just like a cold airwave over you that lasts about six minutes.

"There's no machinery and nothing touching you at all."

Kate, from Hilton, in Cambridgeshire, was thankful that the lump in her breast turned out to be another benign cyst.

Early detection

Professor Wishart, consultant surgeon at Cambridge Breast Cancer Research Unit, led the research into the scanner's effectiveness.

He explained: "We know that mammography is not as sensitive in women under 50, because they have dense breast tissue, and it's much harder to see any abnormalities.

"One of the great challenges is to try and find new technologies that might improve the cancer detection rate in younger women."

If breast tumours can be detected at an early stage, they are more likely to be small, and less likely to have spread.

The scanner works by identifying vascular differences between the breasts. Changes in the way the blood vessels behave can show up as 'hot spots' which could indicate a cancerous growth.

Professor Wishart said: "It looks like it is an effective test for detecting breast cancer in women up to 70, but not over 70. It really was quite poor in the over-70s."

He continued: "The proponents of infra-red imaging have always said that it's as good in younger women as it is in older women.

"In fact, what our study shows is that it's actually more sensitive in younger women.

"In women under 50, the combination of an infra-red scan and a mammogram actually detected almost 90 per cent of the breast cancers - and that was higher than either of the tests on their own."

Private sector

There are currently only two digital infra-red breast scanners in the United Kingdom. The first was launched in July 2008 at the Breasthealth UK Clinic at the Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital.

Kate Monks decided to pay for her scan, but is adamant that the service should be available to all women in the same way as cervical smear tests are.

"Most of the things that are introduced in the UK not only have to be effective, but also cost effective," explained Professor Wishart.

"And the UK is slower than many other countries at introducing new technology."

He told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire that it seemed unlikely that new technologies or services would be introduced in the current economic climate.

Meanwhile, routine mammograms will continue to be available on the NHS only to women between the ages of 50 and 70.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 35 years of age.

Follow the link for video.

Source Link
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/cambridgeshire/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8691000/8691622.stm

A Scan That Spots Breast Cancer

Infrared Medical Solutions — Fri, 21 May 2010 19:02:58 +0000

Mail Online - May 18, 2010
By Jerome Burne
A technology originally developed by the U.S. military for night vision could soon help young women cut their risk of developing breast cancer.

A study due to be published on Wednesday found that this technology - used in medical scanning - vastly improved the chances of spotting early signs of a tumour in women under the age of 50.

The breast tissue of younger women tends to be denser, which makes conventional mammogram scans less reliable.
Breast cancer cells

Warm spot: The infra-red scanner highlights worrying cells (seen here in pink), the study which shows the technology improving the chances of spotting early tumours is to be published on Wednesday

'The digital infra-red breastscan greatly improves on detection rates,' says lead author Professor gordon Wishart, director of the Cambridge Breast Unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.

'It is younger women who are not eligible for screening on the NHS whose cancers are most likely to be missed.

Some studies have found that when mammograms are used in younger women, they pick up only 50 per cent of tumours.'

However, this latest research, based on scans of more than 100 women, shows that the combination of a mammogram and digital scanning can push up the rate dramatically.

Together, they can spot nearly 90 per cent of cancers in women under the age of 50.

Also known as thermography, the technology has been around for more than 30 years, but there have always been doubts about how reliable it is.

However, new developments have significantly improved its accuracy.

The technology - essentially a camera which detects heat - works by sensing temperature changes in the skin; any abnormal tissue, such as a cancer, shows up as slightly warmer (red on the scan) than surrounding healthy cells.

Technicians can then spot these warmer areas, which may indicate underlying breast cancer.

'When you see a hot spot on the breast, this is a sign that the cells there aren't cooling down as they would normally, which could be because a tumour has started to grow new blood vessels around it,' says Professor Wishart.
Mammogram

A woman undergoes the traditional mammogram, but soon the new infra-red scanner could vastly improve the chances of spotting early signs of a tumour

'These blood vessels are slightly deformed and leaky, which means that the area can't respond to temperature changes as fast as the surrounding tissue. So when you slightly cool the breast with a fan, any area with damaged vessels continues to show up as warmer.'

Someone who has benefited from this technique is Alex Pope, a 35-year- old broadcaster from Cambridge, who learned last year that her mother was suffering from breast cancer.

'This was especially worrying because my grandmother had also had it.' Naturally, with such a family history, Alex wanted to be checked out as soon as possible. But straight away she encountered a problem.

'I couldn't have a mammogram because I was 34 and was told that the breast tissue is usually too dense to get a clear image at that age,' she explains.

'I would have been allowed one only if a close relative had died from cancer, but thankfully my mother had gone into remission.'

Mammograms are also clearly not an option for women who've had a mastectomy - even though tumours can still come back.

Another group of women looking for an alternative to mammograms are those over the age of 50 who are eligible for a regular scan on the NHS, but are unwilling to take up the offer.

Some find it too unpleasant - it's 'like having your breast shut in the fridge door' is one description - while others are worried about the small X-ray exposure.
Woman checks her breast for lumps

The technology - essentially a camera which detects heat - works by sensing temperature changes in the skin

In all, 30 per cent decide not to undergo it. But digital infra-red breast scans, which don't involve either X-rays or any equipment touching the breasts, could provide an alternative.

The actual process couldn't be easier. 'You just sit in front of a camera,' says Alex.

'I felt a bit self-conscious being naked to the waist, but that soon vanished when I saw myself on a screen covered in different glowing colours.'

But at the moment the system is available only at Breast Health UK private clinics.

'A problem with infra-red imaging in the past was that interpretations of the scans could vary,' says Troels Jordansen, director of the chain.

'That's why we have one expert analysing all the scans from all our clinics.' Additionally, the technique is used alongside a mammogram.

'The studies to prove that it could be an effective scanning tool on its own are yet to be done,' says Jordansen.

'If you want to use it on its own you have to sign a waiver saying that we aren't responsible if a tumour isn't picked up.'

The health establishment is not yet convinced. On Cancer Research UK's website, digital infra-red breast-scans are described as 'very experimental', while the American Cancer Society warns that 'no study has ever shown it is an effective screening tool'.

However, these comments were made before anyone had seen the results of the latest study.

Alex is certainly grateful for it. She says: 'The new test put my mind at rest when nothing turned up. Without it I would probably still be worrying myself sick.'

Follow the link for video.

Source Link
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1279215/Scan-spots-breast-cancer-like-heat-seeking-missile.html?ITO=1490&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+dailymail%2Fhealth+%28Health+|+Mail+Online%29

African-American women still have poorer breast cancer outcomes

Infrared Medical Solutions — Tue, 11 May 2010 17:23:19 +0000

CHICAGO - May 4, 2009

New research published in the May issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that dramatic disparities in breast cancer outcomes continue to exist for African-American women, regardless of the age at which they are diagnosed, extent of the cancer, type of treatment or socioeconomic status. The study represents the largest population-based analysis of breast cancer outcomes data to date, including more than 60,000 patients in the state of Florida.
Although government programs to improve access to breast cancer screening and treatment have been in place for nearly two decades, African-American women continue to suffer a high breast cancer mortality rate, even though the incidence of breast cancer in this population is lower than in Caucasian women.
The research indicates that breast cancer outcomes for African-American women might be improved by lowering the recommended age of initial screening from 40 years to 33 years, the age at which the percentage of African-American women who develop breast cancer is similar to the percentage of Caucasian women in whom the disease develops under 40 years of age.
"Current screening guidelines are not sufficient in detecting breast cancer in African-American patients because the disease has already developed in over 10 percent of these women by age 40," said Leonidas G. Koniaris, MD, FACS, Surgical Oncology DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. "However, even with earlier diagnosis, our analysis uncovered serious socioeconomic barriers that prevent many African-American women with breast cancer from receiving the latest, most specific treatments."
The analysis identified 63,472 patients with invasive breast cancer using the Florida Cancer Data System and data from the state's Agency for Health Care Administration. Overall, 90.5 percent of patients were Caucasian and 7.6 percent were African American. More than half of the study population (59.4 percent) lived at or below 10 percent of the federal poverty level, according to the 2007 United States Census Bureau report. Five-year survival was calculated from the time of initial diagnosis to the date of last contact or death.
African-American patients presented with breast cancer at a younger age and a more advanced stage, with approximately 72.1 percent of African-American women diagnosed before the age of 65, in comparison with 50.3 percent among Caucasian women (p<0.001). Whereas the majority (68 percent) of Caucasian women were diagnosed with disease that had not spread beyond the breast, only 52.4 percent of African-American women presented with localized disease. Metastatic disease was seen nearly twice as often in African-American women when compared with Caucasian women (5.9 percent versus 3.1 percent; p<0.001). Overall, African-American women had a significantly lower overall five-year survival rate compared with Caucasian women (68.6 versus 79.4 percent, p<0.001).
Upon diagnosis, African-American patients were less likely than Caucasian patients to undergo surgical therapy. Furthermore, among those patients who did undergo surgical therapy, survival rates for African-American women were still considerably lower than for Caucasian women. Similarly, African-American patients who received nonsurgical therapy (e.g., chemotherapy) had a lower rate of survival compared with Caucasian patients who received similar treatments.
A stepwise multivariate analysis revealed a significant decrease in the risk of death observed for African-American patients upon adjustment for stage of presentation, suggesting that disparities in breast cancer outcomes are, in part, a result of advanced stage at diagnosis.
Researchers also identified socioeconomic status as an independent predictor of poor breast cancer outcomes. Patients in the lowest socioeconomic status category (>15 percent living under the federal poverty level) were diagnosed with higher rates of metastatic disease (4.1 percent vs. 2.8 percent; p<0.001) than patients in the higher-income categories. Patients of low socioeconomic status were treated less frequently with surgical therapy. Five-year survival was statistically decreased as poverty level increased for all types of treatment, whether surgical or nonsurgical.

Source Link
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-05/wsw-aws050409.php

The Autonomic Challenge and Breast Thermology

Infrared Medical Solutions — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:54:08 +0000

Back in the 1960s, when the science of thermography was not as well developed as it is today, the evaluation of patients’ studies was based on a system that compared the shapes of thermal pattern with those of patients’ with established disease. Subsequently, important scientific discoveries have provided more accurate means of evaluating breast thermograms. (continued)

American Infrared Mammography In The News

Infrared Medical Solutions — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 23:19:11 +0000

Our network partner American Infrared Mammography was recently featured in the news. Follow the link to see the video. (continued)

Does mammogram row signal time for policy shift?

Infrared Medical Solutions — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:12:29 +0000

It's not hard to find a breast cancer survivor who thinks routine mammograms are a good idea.

Reuters - April 7, 2010
By Kate Kelland, Health and Science Correspondent - Analysis
It's not hard to find a breast cancer survivor who thinks routine mammograms are a good idea.

Almost any woman who had a cancerous tumor detected in her breast during a regular screening appointment would probably think the scan -- and subsequent surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment to remove the cancer -- saved her life.

But that is not always true and an increasingly heated international debate is raging about whether women are getting the right information on the merits, and risks, of mammograms.

The fear is that over-diagnosis -- when screening picks up tumors that would never have presented a problem -- may mean many women are undergoing unnecessary radical treatment, suffering the physical and psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis that would otherwise not have come up.

While some scientists are locked in battle, slinging accusations at each other of misleading data and conflicts of interest, others say the row itself is a signal that it's time for a new and more refined approach to breast cancer screening.

"What really bothers me...is the poor women who are the subjects of this debate, who must be utterly confused and not know what the hell is going on or what to do," Michael Baum, the doctor who introduced Britain's first breast screening program more than 20 years ago, told Reuters.

"To carry on regardless is no longer acceptable. I'm trying to find a way out of this mess."

ROW ERUPTS

Low level argument over the merits of mammograms has bubbled for some years, but a political storm blew up in the United States last year when public health officials questioned whether screening for women in their 40s actually save lives and proposed upping the regular screening age to 50.

Now, in Europe, two recent scientific studies have brought the issue to a head, pitting convinced breast cancer screening supporters against those who say the numbers just don't add up.

A team of Danish scientists published a study showing that breast cancer screening programs of the type run by health services in Europe, the United States and other rich nations do nothing to reduce death rates from the disease.

A week later, a British team published a study showing a "substantial and significant reduction in breast cancer deaths" due to screening.

The lead researchers on each paper, Stephen Duffy of Queen Mary, University of London, who led the British study, and Peter Gotzsche of the Nordic Cochrane Center, who led the Danish team, told Reuters they suspected the other of having long-held biases on breast cancer screening that skewed their work.

At the heart of the matter is the issue of over-diagnosis. This is when a mammogram picks up something called ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS), which are cells -- often described as "pre-cancerous" or non-invasive -- that may progress into life-threatening cancer if left untreated.

The problem is, there is also the chance they would never progress or cause a problem, but instead leave the woman to live in blissful ignorance and die years later -- but not of breast cancer.

The fear is that regular population-wide screening programs are causing over-treatment of such cancers, ruining women's lives with unnecessary mastectomies or chemotherapy.

Gotzsche's evidence suggests that for every 2,000 women who are screened over 10 years, only one stands to have her life saved by the mammogram program, whereas the risk of getting an unnecessary breast cancer diagnosis is 10 times that.

Duffy's study, meanwhile, found that screening saves two women's lives for everyone who is given unnecessary treatment.

"I have never in science seen such a huge discrepancy, and Stephen Duffy's estimates are simply blatantly wrong," Gotzsche told Reuters when asked about the difference.

For his part, Duffy accuses Gotzsche's team of spending years pursuing research that finds against the merits of breast cancer screening, yet has failed to change opinion.

"Most of the people who work in breast cancer... are actually pretty happy with screening. That's why we get paper after paper from the Danish Cochrane team, and yet the screening program stays," he said.

WHEN THE EVIDENCE CHANGES

Yet other experts say the ongoing row exposes the failings of applying a "one size fits all" policy to a complex area of medicine, and the time has come for change.

Baum, an early pioneer of breast screening said he became so sickened by the refusal of health officials to update patient information leaflets with data on potential benefits and harms that he resigned from the program after 10 years.

He now has a proposal for a solution:

"What I'm advocating is that instead of one-size-fits-all we should think of it in the same way we think of other screening approaches -- we should identify the high risk groups first."

Baum favors a "triage" system to divide women into high, middle and low-risk groups based on family history and lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption, weight, diet and exercise.

He says high-risk women -- those with a long family history of breast cancer -- should be offered genetic testing to find out if they have a gene mutation which predisposes them to the disease, while low-risk women should get advice on healthy eating, avoiding alcohol and minimizing other risk factors.

Screening would then be reserved for those in the middle, where he thinks the benefit-risk balance makes most sense.

"At the beginning I was convinced enough (about breast cancer screening) to actively involve myself in setting it up, but as the numbers change, the mind has to change," said Baum. "This is the whole point of science. As the evidence changes, you must change your mind.

Source Link
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6362FD20100407?feedType=RSS&feedName=everything&virtualBrandChannel=11563

New X-Ray Screening Guidelines

Infrared Medical Solutions — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:34:23 +0000

Our Take On These New USPSTF Recomendations

Infrared Medical Solutions is a recognized leader in the early detection of breast cancer. We understand the confusion and misunderstanding of both the public and medical professionals that has resulted with the new Guide Lines by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) relative to screening women for breast cancer by X-Ray mammograms.

The most controversial of the USPSTF recommendations are “against routine screening (X-Ray) Mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years” and “biennial (every two years) screening (X-Ray) Mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years”. Parentheses added.

There is overwhelming evidence that early detection of breast cancer gives women access to the benefits of modern targeted therapies that saves lives. For most women, that early detection must come from an annual screening. However, it is a mistaken notion to equate X-Ray Mammography with early detection of breast disease for all women and this is the source of the confusion and misunderstanding.

The objective results of all credible clinical studies on X-Ray Mammography demonstrate poor sensitivity and unacceptably low specificity in detecting cancer in the more dense-glandular breast tissue typical of premenopausal women. The rising incidence of breast cancer has been borne disproportionately by younger women that are not receiving the benefits of early detection by X-Ray Mammography as the sole means of screening.

Fortunately, there are already several FDA-approved diagnostic modalities that are appropriate for screening younger women and complement X-Ray Mammography for older women on those alternating years.

Infrared Mammography is not affected by breast density, does not use radiation which the USPSTF Guide Lines states “may increase the risk for breast cancer” and is capable of inexpensively screening large populations with absolute safety. Infrared Mammography has demonstrated a very high sensitivity and good specificity in screening for breast cancer in women of all ages. Infrared Mammography provides “probably the earliest means of detecting breast cancer” according to the National Cancer Institute.

Ultrasound has demonstrated diagnostic application for breast cancer detection, especially when a specific region of concern can be identified by clinical examination or Infrared Mammography. Ultrasound can be used to guide biopsies to at-risk tissues in the breast.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a very expensive and invasive procedure but holds the potential of the highest sensitivity and specificity for breast cancer detection and may be indicated for women of all ages at particularly high risk.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in young women under the age of 40. Each year more than 10,000 young women are diagnosed with breast cancer and is fatal for more than 1,000 of these women. The purpose of the breast cancer awareness campaigns are to educate women; all women, of their risk and the important of early detection of breast cancer. Women need to know they have access to proven and effective means of early detection of breast cancer from multiple technologies that are appropriate to their specific needs.

Infrared Medical Solutions

Infrared Medical Solutions’ mission is to provide a complete infrared breast screening solution, advocate the science of Infrared Mammography to insurers, healthcare providers and the general public, and to advance the body of scientific knowledge for Infrared Mammography.

For more information about Infrared Medical Systems, please visit our website, www.infraredmedicalsolutions.com .

Young Women And Breast Cancer

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:26:06 +0000

Survival Rates Are Lowest For Women In Their 20's And 30's

IMS Observations
We agree with the Editorial's conclusion that "... early detection is the key to successful treatment and survival [of breast cancer]. Therefore, an education campaign aimed at younger women would be a practical investment." We would also add that the use of Infrared Mammography in younger women to screen for breast cancer should be considered. It is ideal for younger women because it does not use potentially harmful X-Rays and is painfree since no breast complression is required during the imaging process. In addition, it has been shown to detect breast abnormalities up to 8 years before traditional X-Ray Mammography. Given Infrared Mammography's detection capabilities and its effectiveness in yournger denser breast tissue, we would encourage all women, especially those under 40, to include Infrared Mammography as part of their Breast Health Program. (continued)

British Mammography Claim Angers American Clinicians

Infrared Medical Solutions — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:00:31 +0000

The Lancet Claims That X-ray Mammography is not Effective in Detecting Breast Cancer or in Saving Lives

IMS Observations
Multiple studies indicate that cancer caught in earlier stages results in better outcomes because there are more treatment options available. It is hard to understand why The Lancet would publish an article that indicates that earlier detection using X-Ray mammography versus Self Breast Exam is not effective in saving lives. In fact we would suggest that finding breast cancer even earlier than X-Ray Mammography using Infrared Mammography results in even better outcomes. Infrared Mammography is able to find breast cancer 8 years earlier than X-Ray Mammography because of the way it screens for the disease. We encourage you to learn more about Infrared Mammography and make it part of your personal breast health program. (continued)

Racial Disparity of Breast Cancer Deaths Baffles Researchers

Infrared Medical Solutions — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:48:17 +0000

The Roles of Genetics and Environment are Being Investigated

IMS Observations
What ever the ultimate reason for the disparity in breast cancer survival rates, virtually everyone agrees that early detection of breast cancer generally results in better survival outcomes. Infrared Mammography offers the earliest possible detection
of breast cancer in women and its detection ability is not affected by the density of the breast or the presence of fibroid tumors. Infrared Mammography can detect breast cancer up to 8 years before traditional X-Ray Mammography giving patients additional vital time to treat the cancer it its earliest stages. (continued)

Safe Breast Self Examination by Young Women vs. Risky Mammography

Infrared Medical Solutions — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:39:48 +0000

Screening Mammography Poses Significant and Cumulative Dangers of Radiation, Particularly for Premenopausal Women

IMS Observations
This press release make some interesting points about the breast screening controversy stirred up by the EARLY bill introduction in congress. We would like to add to the dialog that there is an FDA approved Breast Cancer Screening modality called Infrared Mammography that does not use radiation or painful breast compressions to take images. Breast cancer has been detected using this method in women as young a 16 years old. It is the perfect answer to women who want to begin breast screening earlier than the recommended age 40 and who have concerns about the radiation used by X-Ray Mammography. (continued)

Detecting Breast Cancer Using Thermal Imaging

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:51:22 +0000

The Sensitivity Is About 98 Percent and the Specificity Is 88-90 Percent

IMS Observations
Attached is a very interesting article from India that describes the results of a study conducted by two of their most prestigious research centers. The conclusions in this study of Infrared Mammography support the numerous other studies conducted in both the US and Europe. (continued)

Does Race Affect Cancer Survival?

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:44:08 +0000

Breast Cancer Deaths Higher for Black Women Despite Equal Treatment

IMS Observations
The study suggests that black women are more likely than white women to have estrogen receptor(ER)- negative breast cancers, which are more deadly than ER-positive tumors accounting for the difference in mortality rates. We urge all women to learn more about Infrared Mammography and its ability to detect breast cancers of all types up to 8 years before X-Ray Mammography. (continued)

Law Clears Up Issue Of Reporting Dense Breast Tissue On Mammograms

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:26:39 +0000

I Was Told By One Of My Physicians That The Mammogram Didn’t Find The Cancer Because I Had ‘Dense’ Breast Tissue

IMS Observations
As the article states, when a mammogram shows dense tissue, it’s difficult to distinguish between cancer and dense tissue because both show up white. Dense breast tissue is one of the leading risk factors for breast cancer. We would also add to the options that article suggests, Infrared Mammography. Infrared Mammography’s accuracy in detecting breast cancer is not affected by the density of the breast tissue. Because Infrared Mammography measures the body’s physiological changes, increased blood flow, when tumors are forming rather than structural changes as X-Ray Mammography, it does not rely on differences in density between healthy tissue and tumors to detect the cancer. We encourage you to learn more about Infrared Mammography as part of your personal breast health program. (continued)

Key Gene In Deadly Inflammatory Breast Cancer Identified

Infrared Medical Solutions — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:59:13 +0000

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Is The Most Lethal Form Of Primary Breast Cancer

IMS Observations
As the article states, Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is often misdiagnosed since it looks like an inflammation rather than a tumor and is mistaken for an infection. Physicians often prescribe antibiotics, losing valuable time for treating this fast-moving killer. Infrared Mammography is able to readily identify IBC because it is not measuring tissue density differences and micro calcifications in tumors as X-Ray Mammography. Instead, Infrared Mammography measures heat radiating from the increased blood flow necessary to sustain abnormal tissue growth whether in tumor form or in tissue inflammation as in the case of IBC. We encourage you to learn more about the advantages of Infrared Mammography and incorporate it as part of your breast health program. (continued)

Kids Who Survive Cancer Not Watching for Later Disease

Infrared Medical Solutions — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:05:40 +0000

Cancer Treatment In Childhood, Especially Radiation, Increases The Risk Of Later Disease

IMS Observations
As the article points out, radiation treatments puts people at an increased risk for cancer later in life. If you are a childhood survivor of cancer treated with radiation, we encourage you to include Infrared Mammography as part of your breast health program. It does not use ionizing radiation, as does X-ray Mammography, which may put you at an even greater risk for breast cancer. Infrared Mammography does not compress the breasts during the imaging process and is completely pain free. (continued)

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Tagets Younger Women

Infrared Medical Solutions — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:58:56 +0000

The 5 Year Survival Rate For Patients With Inflammatory Breast Cancer Is Only About 25 To 50 Percent

IMS Observations
Although Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) only accounts for between 1% and 5% of all breast cancer cases in the US, it is a particularly deadly form of the disease. Since IBC rarely presents with a tumor, it is virtually detectable by X-Ray Mammography. Infrared Mammography, however, is the ideal screening modality to detect IBC since the enlarged and inflamed breast tissue radiates heat measured by Infrared Mammography. IBC is another reason to include Infrared Mammography in your breast health program. (continued)

Susan Banks Battling Cancer

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:14:04 +0000

Breast Tissue May Look The Same As The Cancer In A Mammogram, Particularly If A Patient Has Dense Breast Tissue

IMS Observations
This article points out the risk of solely relying on X-Ray Mammograms to detect breast cancer. In addition to the ultrasound screening mentioned in the article, we would also recommend an Infrared Mammogram. The accuracy of Infrared Mammograms are not affected by the density of breast tissue making it ideal for women with dense or fibrocystic breasts. (continued)

Many Black Women Refuse Breast Cancer Treatments

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:27:40 +0000

Black Women Have Almost Twice The Rate Of Advanced Breast Cancer As White Women Do

IMS Observations
With almost 25 percent of black women with advanced breast cancer refusing aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatments and the rate of advanced breast cancer in black women, we advocate identifying breast cancer in its earliest stages where more, less aggressive, treatment options are available. Infrared Mammography has been proven to identify breast cancer up to 8 years before it is detectable by an X-ray Mammogram. If you are at risk, we encourage you to learn more about the advantages of Infrared Mammography. (continued)

Implants may interfere with mammogram results

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:39:00 +0000

X-Ray Mammograms Missed 55 Percent Of Breast Cancer Cases In Women With Breast Implants

IMS Observations
If you have breast implants, we encourage you to learn more about Infrared Mammography and employ it as part of your breast health program. Infrared Mammography’s accuracy, unlike X-Ray Mammography, is not affected by the presence of breast implants. Because Infrared Mammography is screening for metabolic changes that cancer exhibits rather that density differences in breast tissue, a breast implant does not affect the ability of Infrared Mammography to detect breast cancer. (continued)

Breast MRI Detects Additional 'Unsuspected' Cancers Not Seen On Mammography Or Ultrasound

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:21:17 +0000

Nearly 20% Of Patients With Recently Diagnosed Breast Cancer Had Additional Malignant Tumors

IMS Observations
As the article points out, X-Ray Mammography misses cancer in a “healthy” breast where cancer has already been found in the other breast. This is why we encourage women to seek out an additional screening tool called Infrared Mammography. Infrared Mammography finds cancer at the earliest possible stages allowing for more treatment options. (continued)

Earlier Breast Cancer Screening For Black Women

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:06:32 +0000

African American Women May Consider Earlier Breast Cancer Screening, Possibly Starting Around 33-35 Years Of Age

IMS Comments
This study shows that African American women have a 1.72-fold increased risk of death from breast cancer. That is a powerful statistic and points to need for earlier screening, or testing for breast cancer in the absence of symptoms. Infrared Mammography detects breast cancer earlier than any other FDA approved screening modality, up to 8 years before X-Ray Mammography. We encourage you to establish your own breast health program incorporating Infrared Mammography especially if you are in this risk category. (continued)

X-Ray Mammogram Rates Seem To Be Slipping

Infrared Medical Solutions — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:53:14 +0000

1.1 Million Fewer Women Nationwide Getting Routine Screening

IMS Observations
If you are part of million plus women no longer receiving an X-Ray Mammogram due to the pain of a having a breast flattened between two plates, we would recommend Infrared Mammograms as an alternative. Infrared Mammograms do not use radiation and are a touchless pain-free, FDA approved method of breast cancer screening. Additionally, it can detect cancer up to 8 years before X-Ray Mammograms because of the different detection methodology used. (continued)

10-Year-Old Battles Breast Cancer

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 04 May 2009 19:13:09 +0000

Incidents Of Breast Cancer Among Pre-Pubescent Children Are Rare But Do Occur

IMS Observations
Mothers, we encourage you to maintain an open dialog with your daughters that encourages them to share with you any unusual changes they are seeing in their bodies. This dialog is what saved Hannah's life. If you would like to get a breast screening exam for your daughter that does not use compression or x-rays and is particularly suited to young women, please learn more about Infrared Mammography. (continued)

Young Women's Breast Tissue Offers Clues to Cancer Risk

Infrared Medical Solutions — Sun, 03 May 2009 02:14:47 +0000

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment And Prevention Should Start Much Earlier In Life Than It Currently Does Say Canadian Researchers

IMS Observations
This study indicates that dense breasts are a strong risk factor for the development of breast cancer and "Interventions directed at the prevention of breast cancer may therefore be more effective if they are started in early life rather than adult life". We couldn't agree more and recommend Infrared Mammography as the screening modality of choice since the density of the breast tissue being imaged does not affect the effectiveness of the Infrared Mammogram. (continued)

Mammographically Dense Breasts Found in Many Older Women, Too

Infrared Medical Solutions — Sat, 02 May 2009 18:00:30 +0000

Dense Breasts Impair The Sensitivity Of Screening Mammography

IMS Observations
Women with dense breasts have a 4 to 6 fold increased risk of developing breast cancer, and, the most commonly used screening procedure for breast cancer, X-Ray Mammography, has a lower sensitivity in dense breasts. We encourage you to consider Infrared Mammography whose effectiveness is not impacted by breast density since it screens for physiological changes caused by breast cancer rather than measuring the differences of density between tumors and healthy breast tissue. (continued)

Common Breast Cancer Risk Factor May Be Hereditary

Infrared Medical Solutions — Fri, 01 May 2009 22:38:16 +0000

Young Women With High Breast Density Should Be Screened More Frequently And Watched More Closely By Their Doctors

IMS Observations
If you, or someone you know, has dense beasts and need to be screened for breast cancer earlier than the standard recommended age of 40, we encourage you to consider Infrared Mammography. Infrared Mammography does not use X-Rays and is safe for women of all ages and the effectiveness of an Infrared mammogram is not affected by the density of the breast tissue. (continued)

Breast Cancer: Issues And Statistics

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:38:52 +0000

The Number Of Women Getting Mammograms Is Down

IMS Observations
If you are one of the thousands of women who have chosen not to get a X-Ray Mammogram, for whatever reason, we encourage you to learn more about and consider Infrared Mammography as part of your breast health program. Infrared Mammography offers you a painless and radiation free way to detect breast cancer up to eight years before X-Ray Mammography. It is especially effective in detecting a rare but deadly form of breast cancer called Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) that is virtually undetectable by X-Ray Mammograms. (continued)

Genetic Testing, Breast Imaging Is Warranted In Young Women At High Risk For Breast Cancer

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:36:06 +0000

Breast Cancer In Women Under 40 Is Increasing Around The World

IMS Observations
To the recommendations of the article and presentation, we would add that Infrared Mammography should also be considered by women with high risk factors for breast cancer. Infrared Mammography is especially well suited for younger women and all women with dense breasts since X-Ray Mammography is less effective at identifying the micro-calcifications that may indicate the presence of a tumor. By using a physiological rather than a structural detection methodology, Infrared Mammography is able to detect increased blood flows necessary to support the tumor's growth regardless of the breast tissue density. (continued)

Second-Hand Smoke Increases Risk Of Breast Cancer In Young Women

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:33:32 +0000

Many Young Women Are Exposed To Second-Hand Smoke

IMS Observations
If you needed another study to tell you smoking is damaging both to you and your children's health now and in the future, here it is. Please seek professional help in smoking cessation; your daughter's breast health may depend on it. (continued)

Surgical Gel May Mimic Signs of Early Breast Cancer

Infrared Medical Solutions — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:40:02 +0000

Specks Look Like Micro-Calcifications That Sometimes Indicate Early Breast Cancer

IMS Observations
If you have had breast surgery and the surgeon used a common gel to stop bleeding when sutures or staples are insufficient or impractical, we encourage you to consider Infrared Mammograms as an alternative to X-Ray Mammograms in your breast health plan. Infrared Mammography uses a detection method that is not fooled by the micro-calcifications like residue left by the surgical gel. In addition, Infrared Mammography can detect breast cancer up to 8 years before a traditional X-Ray Mammogram without any painful breast compressions for imaging. (continued)

Congresswoman's Cancer Bill Draws Surprising Opposition

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:36:29 +0000

EARLY Legislation Said To Cause Too Much HARM

IMS Observations
We too were surprised at the opposition to this education bill that seeks to educate young women about the risks of breast cancer. Since the key to better breast cancer survival rates depend on early detection and early detection is the result of better education; we are, frankly, at a loss to understand the opposition's rationale.

Wasserman-Schultz got it right on her web site when she says, "At the end of the day knowledge is power." (continued)

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:32:39 +0000

The Lack Of Awareness Makes This Silent Killing Disease So Dangerous

IMS Observations
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer that is also the least likely to be detected by X-Ray Mammograms. The reason is that it does not form lumps with micro calcifications that X-Ray Mammography screens for instead growing in sheets or nests.

Fortunately, this type of cancer is easily detected by Infrared Mammography since Infrared Mammography is screening for physiological changes or abnormal blood flows needed to feed this fast growing cancer. If you experience any of the symptoms listed in the article, see your healthcare provider immediately and ask about an Infrared Mammogram. (continued)

Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:27:23 +0000

Ros-Lehtinen To Co-Sponsor Legislation That Would Allow Doctors, Not Insurance Companies To Decide Length Of Treatment For Breast Cancer Patients

IMS Observations
We fully support The Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act and hope to soon see legislation titled the Breast Cancer Screening Act that would allow people, not insurance companies, to decide which breast cancer screening modality is right for them. Then the option for Infrared Mammography, which does not use painful breast compressions or radiation to find cancer up to 8 years before X-Ray Mammograms, would be available to more women through their insurance plan. (continued)

Breast Cancer In Men Is Rare But Real

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 22:43:12 +0000

Breast Cancer Survival Rates Are Virtually The Same For Men And Women If Their Cancer Stages Are The Same

IMS Observations
Although male breast cancer only accounts for 1 percent of all cancers, it is a very real and potentially deadly disease in men. We urge men with symptoms to seek medical attention sooner rather than later. As the story indicates ìEarlier detection made the difference for Fred Gross. Remember, Infrared Mammography offers the earliest possible detection of breast cancer in both men and women, up to 8 years before X-Ray Mammograms. (continued)

Renee's Story: Lance Armstrong Foundation Employee and Young Adult Cancer Survivor

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 23:08:02 +0000

The Problem Was That My Doctor Wasn't Aware Enough Of Young Adult Cancer

IMS Observations
This article drives home the points that you are never ìtoo young for breast cancer and that if your medical professional dismisses off your concern and assures you everything is fine without doing the studies needed to know that, see as many medical professional you need to get the testing you need done. Take control of your breast health and empower yourself, only you will suffer if you don't. (continued)

State Closes Medford Imaging Clinic

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 23:05:44 +0000

AG Labels The Laser And Thermal Imaging Center 'Medical Impostors' For Falsifying Effectiveness Of Cancer Detection Procedure

IMS Observations
While we do not condone any fraud that may have been committed or any misrepresentation of medical certifications, we take strong exception to the Attorney General's comments about Thermography or Infrared Mammography.

Clearly, he is unaware that The US Dept of Health, Education and Welfare listed Thermology as a diagnostic technique for the detection of breast cancer and vascular diseases in 1972 and the US Food & Drug Administration reaffirmed Thermology as a diagnostic technique for breast cancer in 1982 and again in 2005 (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Vol. 8, 21 CFR 884.2980). (continued)

Mammograms May Be Bad For Young Women With Breast Cancer Genes

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 23:01:06 +0000

Screening Mammograms Might Do More Harm Than Good

IMS Observations
The article makes three very important points, First, that carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations should receive early and frequent breast cancer screenings since they have an 80% chance of getting breast cancer in their lifetimes. Second, that these gene defects impair the ability of cells to repair damage in the DNA that can arise from the radiation exposure resulting from an X-Ray Mammogram. Third, outcomes tend to be best for women whose cancers are detected early.

The article, however, does not offer an even safer and more effective breast cancer screening option, Infrared Mammography. Since Infrared Mammography uses no radiation in the imaging of the breast, it can be used to screen for breast cancer in all women, regardless of their age, with no risk to the patient. Infrared Mammography also has the added benefit of detecting breast cancer up to 8 years before X-Ray Mammography. (continued)

Teach Girls To Take Charge Of Their Own Health

Infrared Medical Solutions — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:15:27 +0000

Breast Cancer Education

IMS Observations
We are in absolute agreement that education is the best way to empower our daughters to take control of their own breast health. Teaching them the risk factors, the symptoms and the screening options for breast cancer will do more to reduce the mortality rate than any other thing we can do for them. (continued)

Cancer Screening: Doing More Harm Than Good?

Infrared Medical Solutions — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:55:48 +0000

Screening Tests Can Find Cancer Early -- So Why Do Some Experts Say They Can Do More Harm Than Good?

IMS Observations
We passionately disagree with Floyd Fowler, Jr., PhD, president of the Boston-based nonprofit Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making: when he says "Screening's power to cut your risk of dying has been wildly overinflated." Since when has identifying disease before it shows symptoms and the empowerment to make decisions about our health been a bad thing? Isn't knowledge power?

We do agree with the message being put out by groups like the American Cancer Society and even the federal government, which say that finding and treating tumors as early as possible is the surest way to avoid a cancer death.

The only thing we would add is that Infrared Mammography offers the earliest possible detection of Breast Cancer, up to 8 years before it is detected by X-Ray Mammography; giving you the knowledge to choose a treatment option with your physician that is best suited to you as an individual. (continued)

Sister Study Uses Siblings To Uncover Breast Cancer Risks

Infrared Medical Solutions — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:51:04 +0000

Uncovering Breast Cancer's Unrecognized Risk Factors

IMS Observations
As we know there is a growing list of factors known to influence a woman's odds of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Some, including a woman's age and family history, are beyond an individual's control. Others, including obesity, diet and exercise, are changeable. We applaud the Sister Study program for helping us better understand and someday prevent this deadly disease. (continued)

Breast Cancer Gene Could Reduce Risk

Infrared Medical Solutions — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:47:10 +0000

Two New 'Breast Cancer Genes' Have Been Identified By Scientists - One Of Which Reduces A Woman's Chance Of Developing The Disease

IMS Observations
With the total number of known DNA areas with common genetic changes that alter breast cancer risk now reaching thirteen and doctors only testing for four genes, BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53 and PTEN, its nice to know that in some cases a mutation actually decreases the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. (continued)

Black Women at Higher Risk for Aggressive Breast Tumors

Infrared Medical Solutions — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:30:49 +0000

Triple Negative Growths 3 Times More Likely Regardless Of Age, Weight, Study Finds

IMS Observations
With the highest cancer rate in the world, U.S. women should take control of their breast health. We encourage all women to establish a breast cancer screening program regardless of age or ethnicity. Given the conclusions of this article, we especially encourage women of color to be even more vigilant and include Infrared Mammography as part of your breast health program. Infrared Mammography can detect cancer 8 or more years before traditional X-Ray Mammography without the use of ionizing radiation. (continued)

After Cancer, Lawmaker Urges Tests

Infrared Medical Solutions — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:27:04 +0000

The Accepted Standard Of (X-Ray) Mammograms At Age 40 Creates A False Sense Of Security For Younger Women

IMS Observations
We are excited that Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar have joined together in introducing the EARLY Act that will benefit all women, especially young women. We have always believed that women need to be empowered to take control of their breast health and education on the risks of having breast cancer and the role that early detection plays in better outcomes is critical. (continued)

Study Examines Why Overweight Women Are Less Likely To Undergo Breast Cancer Screening

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:09:30 +0000

Obese Women May Be Putting Themselves At Greater Risk Of Breast Cancer By Not Undergoing Regular Screening

IMS Observations
Obesity is an important risk factor for both the development of, and death from, postmenopausal breast cancer and breast cancer screening tests have been proven to reduce deaths from breast cancer. We encourage all women to have regular breast screening tests and to consider Infrared Mammography as a painless and radiation free alternative to X-Ray Mammography. (continued)

Payout For Women Who Got Breast Cancer After Night Shifts

Infrared Medical Solutions — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:07:03 +0000

World Health Organization Has Concluded That Working Night Shifts "Probably Causes Cancer"

IMS Observations
If you are a woman who works night shifts such as those in the health-care industry, hospitality, industrial manufacturing, news media, and security workers you may be at higher risk for breast cancer. We encourage you to take steps to maintain good breast health and get regular breast cancer screening tests including Infrared Mammography, which can identify abnormal cell growth in breast tissue up to 8 years before conventional X-Ray Mammography. (continued)

Early Detection Of Second Breast Cancers Halves Women's Risk Of Death

Infrared Medical Solutions — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:22:34 +0000

Until Now, The Impact Of Early Detection Of Second Breast Cancers Was Unclear

IMS Observations
We agree with Associate Professor Nehmat Houssamiís, conclusion that, "Intuitively, it makes sense to consider that early detection of second breast cancers will improve prognosis. . .î and would also argue that early detection is important in finding cancer initially. So please follow you own breast health plan that includes Infrared Mammography, the painless and x-ray free way of screening for breast cancer. (continued)

5 Simple Reasons To Choose Infrared

Infrared Medical Solutions — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:25:59 +0000

Exploring The Benefits Of Infrared Mammography From A Patient's Perspective

1. Early Detection
Arguably the most important benefit of Infrared Mammography lies in its unique ability to detect breast cancers at their earliest stages of development (1), up to ten years before x-ray mammograms and fifteen years before it can be felt (2). Detecting breast cancer at the earliest stage virtually assures your survival from this dread disease by just about any treatment program. The newest treatment options of Targeted Therapies act specifically to halt the growth and spread of breast cancers without the adverse effects of conventional chemotherapy but offered only if the cancer is detected at its earliest stages. (continued)

Mammograms May Harm Younger Patients

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:28:37 +0000

BRCA Mutation Carriers Exposed To More Radiation Due To Extra Screenings

IMS Observations
What if a diagnostic test actually triggers the life-threatening disease it is supposed to detect? That may be exactly what happens when women at risk for genetic breast cancer are subjected to radiation exposure from annual X-Ray Mammograms. Lear more about a radiation free form of breast cancer screening called Infrared Mammography. It can be used by women at any age as often as needed with no harmful side effects, like breast cancer. (continued)

Lack Of Cancer Screening Among Those Who Need It Most

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:21:23 +0000

Childhood Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Survivors Are Not Being Appropriately Screened

IMS Commentary
This article documents the risk of developing Breast Cancer solely from moderate to high doses of radiation. Another reason to use Infrared Mammography, it doesn’t use potentially cancer causing radiation to screen for Breast Cancer. (continued)

Getting A Clear Look At Breast Cancer

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 06:02:11 +0000

Twenty Five Percent Of Women Have Dense Breasts Which Can Cause X-Ray Mammography To Miss One Out Of Every Two Cancers.

IMS Observations
While we agree with the article’s premise that X-Ray Mammograms have a hard time detecting breast cancer in women with dense breasts, we don’t agree that Molecular Breast Imaging is the answer. First, it uses an injection of radioactive dye potentially causing even radiation damage to the body it circulates through than a traditional X-Ray Mammogram. Second, while it uses less pressure, it still relies on painful compression to take an image. If you have dense breasts, we encourage you to learn more about Infrared Mammography that is radiation free, pain free and its accuracy is not impacted by the size or density of your breasts. Infrared Mammography offers all of the benefits of breast cancer screening with none of the risks. (continued)

Women's Cancer Risk May Increase With Just A Few Drinks

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:58:11 +0000

Breast Cancer Risk Increased 12 Percent With Each Daily Drink

IMS Observations
Breast cancer risk has long been known to be higher in drinkers. This study adds cancers of the pancreas, liver, and rectum to the list. Even moderate drinkers, women who only consume one drink a day, are at higher risk. We encourage you to adopt a breast health regimen of monthly self-breast exams and an annual Infrared Mammogram to reduce your risk of detecting breast disease in its later stages. (continued)

Wine Color Won't Change Breast Cancer Risk

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:51:45 +0000

Despite Red Wine's Healthy Reputation, Study Finds It Won't Lower Cancer Odds

IMS Observations
The online version of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, reported that for every additional drink consumed per day, there are about 15 extra cases of cancer diagnosed for every 1,000 women under age 75, and that most of those cancers are breast cancer. Turns out it doesn’t matter if the wine you drink is red or white. (continued)

Why Early Detection Is The Best Way To Beat Cancer

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:43:44 +0000

If We Find Cancer Early, 90 Percent Survive. If We Find Cancer Late, 10 Percent Survive.

IMS Observations
Whether breast cancer or ovarian cancer, early detection is the key to beating the survival odds. The best screening method for breast cancer is Infrared Mammography. It can detect breast disease up to eight years before conventional X-Ray Mammography, without the harmful radiation. (continued)

What Family History Says About Your Future

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:38:16 +0000

Learning How To Head Off Inherited Health Troubles Now

IMS Observations
To the advice for those with a family history of breast cancer, we’d like to add our recommendation that you get annual Infrared Mammograms regardless of your age now. Since Infrared Mammography uses no radiation there is no risk of developing breast cancer from it as there is with X-Ray Mammography. This risk of causing what it is trying to detect is what keeps physicians from recommending X-Ray Mammograms before the age of 40. Early detection saves lives and Infrared Mammography detects breast cancer earlier than any other screening modality. (continued)

Medical Mistrust

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:33:41 +0000

Nearly Half Of All Minority Women Who Sensed Discrimination By Their Healthcare Providers Were Less Likely To Undergo Screening For Breast Cancer.

IMS Observations
If you are one of the 44 percent of minority women who have never had a breast examination and believe that healthcare organizations sometimes perform harmful experiments on patients without their consent, we urge you to get an Infrared Mammogram. This method of Breast Cancer Screening uses no harmful radiation, is pain-free, and can detect Breast Cancer up to 8 years before conventional X-Ray Mammograms. Don’t let your concerns keep you from detecting Breast Cancer as soon as possible and improving your survival odds. (continued)

High Blood Pressure Linked To Earlier Death Among African-American Breast Cancer Patients

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:17:47 +0000

African-American Breast Cancer Patients Have A Higher Mortality Rate

IMS Commentary
Early Breast Cancer detection is especially important for women who have high blood pressure. Infrared Mammography can detect Breast Cancer up to eight years before traditional X-Ray Mammography, the earliest times documented. If you have high blood pressure and have not had your annual breast-screening exam, we encourage you to make an appointment for an Infrared Mammogram as soon as possible. Early detection saves lives. (continued)

Americans' Radiation Exposure Rises 6-Fold In 29 Years

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:11:22 +0000

CT Scans And Other Radiation-Based Medical Tests May Be To Blame For Increase In Radiation Exposure

IMS Commentary
As this article indicates, radiation exposure from medical testing should be of great concern for women today. One way to limit your radiation exposure is to trade your annual X–Ray Mammogram for an Infrared Mammogram. Infrared Mammography uses no radiation, is pain-free (no compression) and can detect breast cancer up to eight years before an X-Ray Mammogram. (continued)

Infrared & Vascular Disease

Infrared Medical Solutions — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:39:54 +0000

Screening For Vascular Disease And Breast Cancer

Heart attacks and strokes are the typical end-stage manifestations of a degenerative process termed atherosclerosis, more commonly known as hardening of the arteries. This disease involves the progressive thickening of the medium-sized arteries with a fibrous scarring and the accumulation of a mineral matrix and fat, termed plaque. Atherosclerosis begins many years before the first clear symptoms are manifest, usually fifty to sixty years. That first clear symptom is death for one-third of those experiencing a heart attack or a stroke. These deadly diseases are the preeminent causes of death and disability in our western world and even those who survive will function in a diminished capacity from the tissue damage to their heart or brain. If we could not alter the typical progress of atherosclerosis, there would be no point in diagnosing it. However, developments by medical science have enabled physicians to effectively intervene and prevent death and a degraded life in most instances. The progressive nature of atherosclerosis is analogous to the snowball-on-the-mountain model; the key to making a difference is in detecting the disease process early and instituting effective treatment. There are numerous diagnostic techniques that can detect atherosclerosis at a stage when treatment can reverse atherosclerosis. Some of these methods of testing are very specific at the necessary cost of real risk of their own deadly complications as well as pain and great expense. However, several non-invasive techniques have been developed that have little or no risk of complications. Thermology has been demonstrated to be the most reliable of these non-invasive diagnostic techniques. (continued)

Thermology In Breast Oncology

Infrared Medical Solutions — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:26:14 +0000

Quantatative Digital Radiometric Telethermology In Breast Oncology

Introduction: Diagnostic medical infrared imagery has languished since its introduction in the 1960's for a number of reasons. First, it was not evolved from any existing practice or technology within Medicine nor was it requested by Medicine. Rather it was presented to a reluctant Medicine by as a high-technology benefit of the military intelligence development of modern infrared sensors. Second, the companies that have produced the thermographs had no other established medical products and marketed them to Medicine only as a side venture to their military and engineering products. Third, though diagnostic medical infrared imaging integrates with classic principles of Medicine, it had no existing empirical or basic science basis in medicine on which to infer meaningful diagnoses. Fourth, infrared imaging did not easily merge with any existing medical discipline. It is a medical imaging technology to be sure and hence would fall into the domain of Radiology. However, as the basis for medical infrared imaging is functional rather than structural, it is completely different from all other aspects of Radiology. This has presented a conceptual gap across which radiologists have not been motivated to bridge. Fifth, a major effort to develop medical infrared imaging in the 1970's came in the form of the National Cancer Institute's Breast Cancer Detection and Demonstration project. That project was ill conceived, poorly executed and had results misrepresented as a failure of infrared imaging in medicine rather than a failure of the project. (continued)

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Warranted In Older Women

Infrared Medical Solutions — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:51:28 +0000

Postmenopausal Women Still Have Breast Cancer Risk

IMS Observations
Although many breast cancers are estrogen receptor-positive and the risk associated with this type of cancer declines in postmenopausal women, many breast cancers are not estrogen receptor-positive. We encourage women of all ages to continue breast cancer screening using Infrared Mammography. This breast cancer screening modality can detect cancers up to 8 years before traditional X-Ray Mammography. (continued)