New X-Ray Screening Guidelines
Our Take On These New USPSTF Recomendations
Infrared Medical Solutions is a recognized leader in the early detection of breast cancer. We understand the confusion and misunderstanding of both the public and medical professionals that has resulted with the new Guide Lines by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) relative to screening women for breast cancer by X-Ray mammograms.
The most controversial of the USPSTF recommendations are “against routine screening (X-Ray) Mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years” and “biennial (every two years) screening (X-Ray) Mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years”. Parentheses added.
There is overwhelming evidence that early detection of breast cancer gives women access to the benefits of modern targeted therapies that saves lives. For most women, that early detection must come from an annual screening. However, it is a mistaken notion to equate X-Ray Mammography with early detection of breast disease for all women and this is the source of the confusion and misunderstanding.
The objective results of all credible clinical studies on X-Ray Mammography demonstrate poor sensitivity and unacceptably low specificity in detecting cancer in the more dense-glandular breast tissue typical of premenopausal women. The rising incidence of breast cancer has been borne disproportionately by younger women that are not receiving the benefits of early detection by X-Ray Mammography as the sole means of screening.
Fortunately, there are already several FDA-approved diagnostic modalities that are appropriate for screening younger women and complement X-Ray Mammography for older women on those alternating years.
Infrared Mammography is not affected by breast density, does not use radiation which the USPSTF Guide Lines states “may increase the risk for breast cancer” and is capable of inexpensively screening large populations with absolute safety. Infrared Mammography has demonstrated a very high sensitivity and good specificity in screening for breast cancer in women of all ages. Infrared Mammography provides “probably the earliest means of detecting breast cancer” according to the National Cancer Institute.
Ultrasound has demonstrated diagnostic application for breast cancer detection, especially when a specific region of concern can be identified by clinical examination or Infrared Mammography. Ultrasound can be used to guide biopsies to at-risk tissues in the breast.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a very expensive and invasive procedure but holds the potential of the highest sensitivity and specificity for breast cancer detection and may be indicated for women of all ages at particularly high risk.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in young women under the age of 40. Each year more than 10,000 young women are diagnosed with breast cancer and is fatal for more than 1,000 of these women. The purpose of the breast cancer awareness campaigns are to educate women; all women, of their risk and the important of early detection of breast cancer. Women need to know they have access to proven and effective means of early detection of breast cancer from multiple technologies that are appropriate to their specific needs.
Infrared Medical Solutions
Infrared Medical Solutions’ mission is to provide a complete infrared breast screening solution, advocate the science of Infrared Mammography to insurers, healthcare providers and the general public, and to advance the body of scientific knowledge for Infrared Mammography.
For more information about Infrared Medical Systems, please visit our website, www.infraredmedicalsolutions.com .
