Thermography Not Effective For Screening

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation encourages women to learn more

TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) - Ontario Region reminds women that thermography is not a safe or effective way to detect breast cancer or an alternative to mammogram screening.

Thermography is offered as a for-profit service, using a heat-sensitive infrared camera to take images of the body and detect blood flow pattern and some breast thermography clinics claim the service they provide can detect breast cancer.

"This summer, while on The Pink Tour, we heard from many women across Ontario who are confused about their options when it comes to breast cancer screening and services like thermography," said Sandra Palmaro, CEO, CBCF-Ontario Region. "It's important to give women all the facts so they can recognize that thermography is not an effective alternative to screening mammograms."

CBCF-Ontario is concerned that some thermography clinics are falsely claiming their services are an effective breast cancer detection tool and can identify pre-cancerous tissues. Yet errors resulting from thermography can lead to women having unnecessary follow-up exams and can put additional pressures on the health care system.

Thermography is not recommended by any medical authority or leading cancer organization including CBCF, Health Canada or the Canadian Medical Association and there is no credible research study identifying thermography to be an effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer.

Currently, breast thermography is offered for a fee in private clinics across Canada. Health Canada does not licence thermography equipment for breast cancer screening and notes on their website that any claims that thermography is useful in diagnosing breast cancer have not been proven. Thermography is not offered by accredited health care centres like hospitals or regional cancer centres.

Research has shown that breast cancer screening saves lives and mammography has been widely tested to ensure it's safe and effective. Having regular mammograms is the gold standard for breast cancer detection and the best screening tool available for most women.

Click here to find out more about the benefits of mammography screening.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading community -driven organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. Our investments in innovative and relevant research and education have led to progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Since 1986, we have been at the forefront of a nationwide movement supporting and advocating for the breast cancer community. Join us at www.cbcf.org.

SOURCE: Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (Ontario Chapter)

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CBCF-ONTARIO OR TO SET UP AN INTERVIEW:

Megan Primeau
Communications Manager
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region
Office: 416-815-1313 ext. 208
Mobile: [phone]
Email: [email protected]