Wednesday, August 27, 2008
A Tool for Early Breast Cancer Screening
by: Brenda Witt
Who isn’t familiar with the expression, “early detection is the best prevention?” We hear this term throughout the year and most everyone is familiar with this “catch phrase” as it relates to breast cancer. Obviously, a woman’s chance for survival improves when a cancer is found early. We hear that simple rhyming statement but are women really offered early detection?
Our “gold standard” for breast cancer screening is mammography, clinical breast exam and self-breast exam. Other techniques are used but ALL current technologies examine structure; something is formed and large enough to be seen or felt. However, it is well-documented that a mass that is detected by mammography has been growing for 8-10 years before it was detected. Is this early detection?
There exists a technology that can detect an issue YEARS before a tumor can be seen on X-ray or palpated during an exam and truly offers early detection. This technology has been approved by the FDA as an adjunctive screening tool since 1982 and offers NO RADIATION, NO COMPRESSION AND NO PAIN. For women who are searching for early breast cancer detection, digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) may be of interest.
Historically, DITI fell out of favor shortly after its initial debut in the early 80s. When DITI was first introduced, strict protocols and trained technicians did not exist. Shortly after its initial beginnings, DITI fell out of favor as a diagnostic tool in the medical community.
There are now very strict protocols both for testing and interpreting. Perhaps due to these guidelines, thermography (as with all digital technology) has exploded in its technique and capabilities. Thermal cameras detect heat emitted from the body and display it as a picture on a computer monitor. These images are unique to the person and remain stable over time. It is because of these characteristics that thermal imaging is a valuable and effective screening tool. Tumors or other breast diseases measures warmer than surrounding tissue and can thereby alert a physician to a problem before a tumor is actually palpable.
Medical doctors who interpret the breast scans are board certified thermologists. Thermography is not limited by breast density and is ideal for women who have had cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, women who refuse mammography, or women who want clinical correlation for an already existing issue. Thermography, because it analyzes a developing process, may identify a problem several years before mammography. As we all know, early detection is important to survival.
DITI has an average sensitivity and specificity of 90%. An abnormal thermogram carries a 10x greater risk for cancer. A persistent abnormal thermogram carries a 22x greater risk for cancer. Thermography, as well as mammography is a personal choice for women. This decision ideally should be made in collaboration between you and your physician. However, thermography does not require a physician’s order.
Thermographic screening is not covered by most insurance companies but is surprisingly affordable for most people.
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HALO Breast Pap Test to Be Featured on Rachael Ray TV Show
News source: Business Wire
The HALO(TM) Pap Test for the Breast -- which helps assess a woman's risk of developing breast cancer -- will be featured next week on Rachael Ray, the daytime talk show.
The segment will air Sept. 2 and will include Lisa Masterson, M.D., an ob/gyn in Santa Monica, Calif. The HALO segment on Rachael Ray will also promote The Doctors, a new medical daytime talk show premiering in syndication Sept. 8.
"We are pleased to have Dr. Masterson introduce HALO on national TV. It provides a great opportunity to spread the word to women about the importance of risk assessment in the fight against breast cancer," said John Stroh, president and CEO of NeoMatrix, which makes the HALO system.
HALO is FDA-cleared for the collection of nipple aspirate fluid for cytological evaluation. Like the Pap test for cervical cancer, HALO looks for cellular changes years before breast cancer might develop.
Multiple studies have shown that if a woman has abnormal cells in the breast ducts, she has a 4-5 times greater risk of developing breast cancer. Some studies concluded that the risk is even higher when combined with a family history of breast cancer.
"Patients appreciate having the personalized information about their breast cancer risk that HALO provides," said Dr. Masterson. "It's especially helpful for younger women as an adjunct to mammography, and for those too young to have regular yearly mammograms."
Early detection of breast cancer is the key to improved survival, yet 70 percent of diagnosed women have no identifiable risk factors other than age. Risk assessment with HALO enables women and clinicians to take control of breast health. Designed for women age 25 and older, the simple, 5-minute test is typically performed as part of the annual well-woman visit in a physician's office.
HALO is not intended to diagnose breast cancer or replace regular screening mammography or breast exams. It is a tool that helps identify women with precancerous changes who have a high risk of developing breast cancer. All women, regardless of their risk assessment, should undergo routine screening as recommended by their healthcare provider.
To learn more about the test and locate a physician who offers it, visit www.PapTestForTheBreast.com or call (877)-HALOPAP.
The Doctors show will feature Dr. Masterson and other medical professionals as they discuss a range of health-related topics. The team includes plastic surgeon and reconstructive surgery expert Andrew Ordon; pediatrician James Sears; and ER physician Travis Stork -- also known for his starring role on the popular ABC primetime series The Bachelor.
The Doctors is Executive-Produced by Jay McGraw, Carla Pennington and Dr. Phil McGraw.
About NeoMatrix
NeoMatrix(C) develops innovative devices that allow women and their doctors to promote optimal breast health. The HALO Breast Pap Test is the first fully automated, noninvasive breast disease-screening device designed for use in the primary care setting. For further information, visit www.neomatrix.com.
HALO Breast Pap Test to Be Featured on Rachael Ray TV Show
News source: Business Wire
The HALO(TM) Pap Test for the Breast -- which helps assess a woman's risk of developing breast cancer -- will be featured next week on Rachael Ray, the daytime talk show.
The segment will air Sept. 2 and will include Lisa Masterson, M.D., an ob/gyn in Santa Monica, Calif. The HALO segment on Rachael Ray will also promote The Doctors, a new medical daytime talk show premiering in syndication Sept. 8.
"We are pleased to have Dr. Masterson introduce HALO on national TV. It provides a great opportunity to spread the word to women about the importance of risk assessment in the fight against breast cancer," said John Stroh, president and CEO of NeoMatrix, which makes the HALO system.
HALO is FDA-cleared for the collection of nipple aspirate fluid for cytological evaluation. Like the Pap test for cervical cancer, HALO looks for cellular changes years before breast cancer might develop.
Multiple studies have shown that if a woman has abnormal cells in the breast ducts, she has a 4-5 times greater risk of developing breast cancer. Some studies concluded that the risk is even higher when combined with a family history of breast cancer.
"Patients appreciate having the personalized information about their breast cancer risk that HALO provides," said Dr. Masterson. "It's especially helpful for younger women as an adjunct to mammography, and for those too young to have regular yearly mammograms."
Early detection of breast cancer is the key to improved survival, yet 70 percent of diagnosed women have no identifiable risk factors other than age. Risk assessment with HALO enables women and clinicians to take control of breast health. Designed for women age 25 and older, the simple, 5-minute test is typically performed as part of the annual well-woman visit in a physician's office.
HALO is not intended to diagnose breast cancer or replace regular screening mammography or breast exams. It is a tool that helps identify women with precancerous changes who have a high risk of developing breast cancer. All women, regardless of their risk assessment, should undergo routine screening as recommended by their healthcare provider.
To learn more about the test and locate a physician who offers it, visit www.PapTestForTheBreast.com or call (877)-HALOPAP.
The Doctors show will feature Dr. Masterson and other medical professionals as they discuss a range of health-related topics. The team includes plastic surgeon and reconstructive surgery expert Andrew Ordon; pediatrician James Sears; and ER physician Travis Stork -- also known for his starring role on the popular ABC primetime series The Bachelor.
The Doctors is Executive-Produced by Jay McGraw, Carla Pennington and Dr. Phil McGraw.
About NeoMatrix
NeoMatrix(C) develops innovative devices that allow women and their doctors to promote optimal breast health. The HALO Breast Pap Test is the first fully automated, noninvasive breast disease-screening device designed for use in the primary care setting. For further information, visit www.neomatrix.com.
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