Is thermography as effective as having a mammogram?
The BreastScreen Australia Program does not recommend the use of thermography for the early detection of breast cancer. Studies have shown that a tumour has to be large (several centimetres in diameter) before it can be detected by thermography (Homer 1985). Screening mammograms have the ability to detect breast cancer at a much smaller size, and therefore to reduce deaths from breast cancer. Less than 50% of breast cancers detected by mammography screening have an abnormal thermogram (Martin 1983). The New Zealand Technology Assessment Clearing House for Health Outcomes and Health Technology Assessment undertook a systematic review of the international literature on the effectiveness of thermography for population screening in 2004 and concluded that the current evidence does not provide enough support for the role of thermography for population screening.
BreastScreen Australia does not recommend the use of thermography for the early detection of breast cancer. Top of page Studies have shown that a tumour has to be large (several centimetres in diameter) before it can be detected by thermography (Homer 1985). In 2009, a detailed review was undertaken of technology for breast cancer detection as part of the BreastScreen Australia Evaluation. For a copy of the report, please see National Horizon Scanning Unit Emerging Technology Bulletin. Screening mammograms have the ability to detect breast cancer at a much smaller size, and therefore to reduce deaths from breast cancer. Less than 50% of breast cancers detected by mammography screening have an abnormal thermogram (Martin 1983). There currently is no scientific evidence to support the use of thermography in the early detection of breast cancer and in the reduction of mortality. For further information, please see Statement on use of thermography to detect breast cancer.
