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Breast screening Routine

30 replies

noddyholder · 21/04/2015 10:22

Hi has anyone been offered a mammogram (I am 50) and not had it? Reasons? I have read conflicting views on the success of this and also over diagnosing. i have a lot of other health issues and this has taken me by surprise as I am really not sure what to do

OP posts:
didyouwritethe · 21/04/2015 19:06

This is from another site (Healthy Life Essex, of all things):

"When used as part of a multimodal approach (clinical examination + thermography + mammography or anatomical test), 95% of early stage cancers will be detected. Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging is a test of physiology (function) and does not compete with MAMMOGRAPHY, which is anatomic. The inherent advantages of DITI are:

(i) It is effective for all age groups, especially younger women with denser breast tissue who are not automatically catered for by government funded mammography schemes.

(ii) It is non-contact and non invasive thus painless for women and, because it does not emit any radiation there is a very high acceptance for this test.

(iii) It is also effective where implants are involved. Thermal emission is not adversely affected and as there is no contact, there is no danger of implant damage. It is ideal for post-operative use to monitor treatment response.

(iv) Ideal for use with small-breasted women where mammography is difficult. This is also relevant for men as almost 1% of all detected breast cancers are in male patients.

(v) Mammography is only able to X-Ray the quantity of the breast that can be fitted into the screening clamp table whilst Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging is able to view the whole area of the breasts. This includes the lymph zones from the chin to beneath the breasts and under the arms, Carotid arteries and Thyroid. Breast screening using DITI does NOT require a cold stress test."

noddyholder · 21/04/2015 19:06

didyou I am also aware of that train of thought and tbh although I didn't think about it loads I kind of assumed I wouldn't have a mammogram once contacted but now I'm not sure. I have had cancer previously but as I said its v common in my condition to get associated skin lesions and I was always aware of that. My consultants have never mentioned breast cancer or screening or links to my drugs or anything. My dp thinks I should cancel this appt and speak to my renal team at my annual review in June as to whether I am at any increased risk to the average and then decide but I am concerned if I cancel they won't see me again!

OP posts:
smee · 21/04/2015 19:21

Okay so say the cynicism on Cancer Research is valid (I haven't a clue on that!), but it's not just them saying thermography isn't accurate enough, lots of different sites say the same, including more holistic ones. look at this one maybe too

pinkfrocks · 21/04/2015 19:39

Cancer Research has been much discussed on MN; I'm not alone in my cynicism. Basically it's all to do with money and experiments, and money that funds experimental research which builds medical people's careers. Preventive medicine will never build their careers

With respect that it not really logical is it?
Some of our most famous scientists made their name by inventing preventative medicine- as vaccinations etc - Pasteur, or Curie, etc etc.
And why does 'experimental research' exclude prevention?
Sorry but I need more facts to convince me.

re. the points made about thermal imaging, most are to do with patient comfort. Also, if you have tumours in your lymph nodes, carotid artery or thyroid than that is not breast cancer is it?

didyouwritethe · 21/04/2015 19:52

Yes, I think thermography is being recommended as an earlier step, from what I've seen on all these links.

Pinkfrocks, I shouldn't have made my cynical post, I'm a natural cynic about charities, and I can't explain, always, why. I don't retain all the stuff I read; altho I did once go out with a bastard who worked for Cancer Research and he wasn't impressive. So there you go. Perfectly logical. Grin Not subjective at all.

I'm as ignorant as anyone about thermal imaging, as well. I haven't had it. I did get my GP to do a manual exam when I was frightened by Breast Cancer Week.

Noddy, I think they will deffo see you whenever you're ready. They keep pestering me even though I've said I won't have a mammogram.

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