Thermography and other unproven screening methods

Thermography, sometimes called thermal imaging or digital infrared thermal imaging, uses a special camera to map heat patterns on the surface of the breasts. The idea is that cancers may increase blood flow and warmth. It is often advertised as radiation-free, painless, compression-free and able to detect cancer years earlier than a mammogram. Unfortunately, the evidence does not support these claims. Studies have shown that thermography misses many cancers, including cancers that mammography finds, and also raises many false alarms, because breast temperature is affected by the menstrual cycle, room temperature, inflammation, infection and normal differences between women. For this reason, the United States Food and Drug Administration has warned that thermography should not be used as a substitute for mammography, and major cancer organisations do not recommend it for screening or diagnosis. The concern is not only that thermography is inaccurate, but that a falsely reassuring result may lead a woman to skip a mammogram or ignore a lump. Similar caution applies to other unvalidated methods, such as unproven blood tests marketed as cancer detectors, handheld scanning gadgets sold without good evidence, and screening packages that rely only on such tests. Evidence-based options remain mammography at the right age, clinical breast examination, breast awareness and, for specific situations, ultrasound or MRI.

Thermography is not a substitute for mammography

It misses cancers and causes false alarms.

Advertising often overstates it

Claims of finding cancer years earlier are not supported by good evidence.

Stick with proven tests

Mammography, clinical examination and targeted imaging are the evidence-based options.

It is understandable why these tests appeal to women.

Mammograms have real downsides

Discomfort, radiation worries and false alarms are genuine concerns. The answer is to discuss them, not to switch to an unproven test.

Research continues

New technologies are studied all the time. Some may prove useful in future, but they need strong evidence first.

Normal results can be dangerously reassuring

A normal thermogram does not rule out cancer, and should never delay checking a lump.

What this page cannot tell you

It cannot evaluate every product on the market. Ask a breast specialist or radiologist about any test before paying for it.

Many women look at thermography because they worry about mammograms. These worries can often be addressed.

Radiation

The dose from a mammogram is low, and for women of screening age the benefit usually outweighs the small risk.

Discomfort

Compression lasts only seconds. Booking after a period and telling the radiographer can make it more comfortable.

Dense breasts

If mammograms are less reliable for you, ultrasound or other proven tests can be added.