Health and Education
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ON.12.01
Infrared breast screening thermography
Whereas,
Thermography, as an effective breast screening test, is not currently approved
by leading cancer organizations or medical authorities in Canada ; and
Whereas,
In recent years, major advances have been made in infrared thermal imaging
technology; and
Whereas,
Thermography proponents state that studies show that the proper use of breast,
self-exams, physician exams, thermography, and mammography together
provide the earliest cancer detection system available and reduces mortality
rates; therefore, be it
Resolved,
That the Ontario Provincial Council of The Catholic Women’s League of
Canada in its 65th annual convention assembled, strongly urge the Ontario
provincial government to direct the minister of health to implement an
immediate comprehensive study of infrared breast screening thermography that
uses the technologies available; and be it further
Resolved,
That this resolution be forwarded through the national executive to the other ten
provincial councils, urging them to become aware of this issue as it pertains to
their province/territory, and to act on it, as deemed necessary/prudent.
Submitted by: Ontario Provincial Council
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ON.12.01 -Infrared breast screening thermography
Brief
Though evidence proves promising for Infrared Breast Screening Thermography, currently it is
not recommended by any leading cancer organization or medical authority nor is it licensed for
breast cancer screening in Canada. Studies to date have not proven this to be the most
effective way to find early breast cancer.
Infrared Breast Screening Thermography, or thermal imaging, is a way to measure and map
heat from the breast using a digital infrared camera. A high-speed computer looks for “hotspots”
or different levels of heat. Then, it analyzes the pictures. This is based on the principle that if
any area of higher heat is found, it may mean more blood vessels are forming due to cancer
(Ontario Breast Screening Program, 2008).
Infrared Breast Screening Thermography detects changes in breast tissue before tumors form
or when they are too small to be detected with X-Rays. This is done without harmful radiation,
compression, contact, or needles. This technique is most effective on those who are
pre and post menopausal, pregnant, breastfeeding, as well as those with dense breast tissue,
fibro-cystic disease, prosthetic augmentation, surgical reduction, previous biopsies, large
breasts, and when on hormone replacement therapy (Infrared Medical Solutions). It has the
potential to detect problems five to ten years before abnormalities can be seen with
mammograms. The early detection of abnormal tissue activity makes infrared breast screening
thermography extremely useful and cost effective as a screening strategy and gives the
opportunity to apply non-invasive therapies to improve breast tissue function. The noninvasive nature of thermography also allows for repeat scans. This improves the ability to
compare changes over time and monitor the results of preventative strategies (Hunt,V).
The staggering predictions for 2011 were that 23,400 women in Canada would be diagnosed
with cancer and of them 5,100 will die. Furthermore, one in 9 women would develop breast
cancer during their lifetime and one in 29 would die. Men are not exempt. One hundred and ninet
men would be diagnosed with breast cancer and of those 55 would die (The Canadian Cancer
Society, 2011). Breast cancer still remains the second leading cause of cancer death in women
despite advances in treatment that have reduced breast cancer mortality (Kennedy, 2009).
The goal of breast cancer screening is to detect cancer early, when it is less likely to spread, and
to successfully treat it (Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care). No single
screening tool provides excellent predictability, but this method of screening could be used as a
vital tool in conjunction with mammography and MRI tests (Kennedy, 2009).
While previous studies may have found thermography to lag behind other screening techniques,
infrared thermal imaging has resurfaced in this age of modernized computer technology
(Thermographic Research, 2009). It now has the capability of making a significant impact in
medicine (The American Journal of Surgery, 2008). Many women seeking to find the safest,
earliest and most effective screening technique possible are turning to thermography clinics for
breast screening. Considering recent developments in computer technology, and advancements in
the thermographic industry, additional research and study is essential to confirm and/or continue
to develop the potential of this technology and to provide a more effective noninvasive
adjunctive tool for the earliest detection of breast cancer (Kennedy, 2009)
Health and Education
ON.12.01
Infrared breast screening thermography
Works Cited:
The American Journal of Surgery (2008) 196, 524. The American Society of Breast Surgeons
Aurora, Nimmi, Diana Martins, Danielle Ruggiero, Eleni Tousimis, Alexander
J.Swistel, Michael P. Osborne, Rache M. Simmons. Effectiveness of a noninvasive
digital infrared thermal imaging system in the detection of breast cancer.
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, 2011. Breast Screening Technology. Internet
The Canadian Cancer Society, 2011. Breast cancer statistics at a glance.
http://www.cancer.ca/Canadawide/About%20cancer/Cancer%20statistics/Stats%20at%2...
Hansard, 2011. Bill C-314. Act respecting the awareness of screening among women with dense
breast tissue. 1st Session, 41st Parliament, 60 Elizabeth II, HOUSE OF COMMONS
CANADA.
Hunt, Verna. Digital Infrared Breast Thermography. New Technology Avoids the Hazards of
Standard Mammograms. Vitality Magazine. Internet
Infrared Medical Solutions. Physicians Understanding Infrared Analysis.
http://www.infraredmedicalsolutions.com/physicians/infrared-analysis
Kennedy, Deborah, Tanya Lee, and Dugold Seely. Integrative Cancer Therapies. A Comparative
Review of Thermography as a Breast Screening Technique.
Volume 08 Number 1. (2009/09/16) Copyright 2008 Sage Publications
http://ict.sagepub.com hosted at http://online.sagepub.com
Ontario Breast Screening Program, 2008. Fact Sheet: Tools & Technologies for Breast Cancer
Screening.
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, August 29, 2011. Breast Cancer Screening.
What is Breast Cancer Screening? Internet.
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/cancer/screening.aspx
Thermography Research, Copyright 2009. Beyond Mammography. The Safe Breast Cancer
Screening Test Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You About. Effectiveness of a non-invasive
digital infrared thermal imaging system in the detection of breast cancer.
http://www.thermographclinic.ca/research.html
Health and Education
ON.12.01
Infrared breast screening thermography
Action plan

encourage members to write to the Provincial and Federal Ministers of Health and
Long -Term Care to establish a thorough study of infrared breast screening
thermography

encourage members to monitor the Canadian Government’s plan of action in
response to the request contained in the resolution

encourage members to become educated and more aware of thermography and
their breast health

sponsor educational opportunities by inviting guest speakers and medical persons
to speak on the subject