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Mammography has long been a critical tool in the early detection of breast cancer and has saved countless lives through timely diagnosis. However, like all medical procedures, it comes with certain limitations and potential risks.
As awareness grows, many women are seeking safer, more comfortable alternatives. One promising method on the rise is thermal imaging, also known as thermography.
Mammography uses low-dose ionizing radiation. While the exposure is minimal, repeated screenings—especially from a younger age—may slightly increase cancer risk. Women with genetic sensitivity to radiation, such as those with ATM gene mutations, should discuss this with their doctor.
A false positive suggests cancer where none exists. Over a 10-year period, over 50% of women screened annually will have at least one false positive. This often leads to unnecessary biopsies, emotional distress, and additional medical procedures.
Some detected tumours may be extremely slow-growing or non-lethal. Treating these may expose women to unnecessary interventions like surgery, radiation or chemotherapy—with little health benefit.
Mammography requires breast compression, which many find uncomfortable or painful. This discomfort may deter women from regular screenings, especially those with sensitive tissue or past trauma.
Mammograms can miss cancers, especially in women with dense breast tissue—common in younger women. This gives a false sense of security and may delay treatment.
Thermal imaging (thermography) is a non-invasive, radiation-free technique that uses infrared cameras to detect heat patterns and blood flow in tissues. Cancerous cells tend to produce more heat due to rapid growth and increased blood supply, making this an innovative way to spot abnormalities before a tumour even forms.
| Feature | Mammography | Thermal Imaging (Thermography) |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation | Yes (low-dose ionizing radiation) | No radiation |
| Contact and Discomfort | Requires breast compression | No contact or compression |
| Type of Detection | Structural changes (tumours, masses) | Physiological changes (heat, vascularity) |
| Accuracy in Dense Breasts | Lower accuracy, risk of false negatives | More reliable for dense tissue |
| Risk of False Positives/Negatives | High in some cases | Lower in some cases (technology evolving) |
| Screening Frequency | Every 1–2 years | Can be done more frequently and safely |
Safe for all ages, including younger women and those needing more frequent monitoring.
No compression, no discomfort—just a quick and non-invasive scan.
Can detect signs like inflammation or abnormal blood flow years before a tumour becomes detectable by other means.
Provides better results for women whose breast density reduces the accuracy of mammograms.
Because it’s safe and non-invasive, it’s ideal for high-risk women, those with family history, or those undergoing hormone therapy.
This article is not a critique of mammography—but a call for personalised, informed decision-making. Mammography remains invaluable, especially for women over 50 or those at higher risk. But if you’re looking for a radiation-free, painless, and more frequent screening option, thermal imaging is a powerful complement—or even alternative.
Always consult your doctor to choose the screening strategy best suited to your age, health and risk factors.
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