Would you be interested in knowing about a test that detects the first signs of breast cancer forming up to 10 years before any other procedure can detect it? What if it was non-invasive, not painful, not involving radiation exposure? Is there such a test? Yes, there is. In fact it has been in use in many private clinics and medical centers since the mid 1970's; an adjunctive diagnostic breast cancer screening procedure approved by the American FDA. There have been over 800 peer-reviewed studies involving over 300,000 women with follow-ups to 12 years after the initial testing.

The test is breast thermography. It has a sensitivity rate of 90% for either presence or absence of disease. Digital infrared imaging (thermography) has a 10% false positive rate whereas mammography has a 25% false positive rate. Digital Infrared Imaging (D.I.T) scans not only the breasts but also the chest wall and axilla (armpits). The test is designed to pick up the subtlest of temperature changes in tissue. When there is a change in cell activity it is almost always accompanied by a production of heat. These temperature changes can be detected years before a mass would be seen on a mammogram. This early detection provides the best outcomes and provides lead-time to make lifestyle changes that optimize health.

It also permits the monitoring of breast health without repeated exposure to radiation. Studies show that D.I.T. is a better indicator of future breast disease than a first order family history of the disease. Thermography is appropriate for all ages and breast tissue types, even pregnant, breast feeding and fibrocystic breast tissue. This does not eliminate the need for other forms of testing. Mammograms show the location of a mass and would be a better indicator of the very few masses that are not hyper-vascular (do not show increased heat production). This is why a multi-modal approach combining history, physical exam, thermography and when indicated mammography and ultrasound will detect 95% of early stage of cancers.

Unfortunately thermography is not part of our OHIP system. Windsor does not have its own thermography clinic. There are currently 3 options in obtaining this test.

1. Therma Scan is just outside Detroit. Dr. Phil Hockstra, PhD. is a medical scientist and a second-generation Infrared researcher. The clinic phone number is 248-544-7500.

2. Thermography Clinic (London) Inc. www.breastfriendsforhealth.com

3. Medical Thermography International Inc., Richmond Hill, Ontario. This group tours the province with a portable unit and comes to Windsor once a year. They will be at Focus Naturopathic Clinic, April 2009. www.medthermonline.com3. Medical Thermography International Inc., Richmond Hill, Ontario. This group tours the province with a portable unit and comes to Windsor once a year. They will be at Focus Naturopathic Clinic, April 2009. www.medthermonline.com

A New Approach to Treating Lymph edema (Swelling)

Swelling of the limbs (arms, hands, legs, feet) could be related to poor circulation as a result of a sedentary lifestyle, constrictive clothing, and obesity. But in staying with our theme of breast health, it could also be as a result of post-operative or radiation or infection damage to lymph vessels. Lymph is a clear fluid, which originated in the tissue spaces. The excess fluid and waste products is collected by lymphatic vessels, and then carried away and eliminated. The lympathics are an integral part of the detoxification process in the body. When tissues become congested and swollen it can result in pain, reduced range of motion, increased toxicity, which could aggravate chronic headaches, sinus congestion or any inflammation in the body.

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a highly specialized technique using a light pressure repetitive motion. It is not quite like massage in that it is a skin technique as opposed to a muscle technique. The primary lympathics are embedded in the dermis (skin) and a heavy technique would collapse them. The repetitive nature of the technique also has a neurological effect, making it useful in conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson's disease. Improving the movement of lymph facilitates detoxification by increasing the output of urine.

As you can imagine, this technique would be appropriate for any post-op swelling, from mastectomy to hip or knee replacement or even the inflammation of a whiplash. The arm may swell post-op as a result of surgical or radiation damage or even as a result of wearing a heavy prosthesis, which might compromise lymph circulation. MLD is only part of the protocol to keep these tissues healthy. Nutrition, exercise, compression sleeves are also utilized in a holistic approach.

By: Madeline Crnec, Heritage Tree Healing Centre