When was the last time you had your breast health checked or screened? Awareness of breast health is now relatively high largely as a result of some high profile public awareness campaigns, but many women postpone getting screened for a variety of reasons. Lumps are perhaps the most common cause for concern, though these do not necessarily indicate a problem and are usually benign, and often associated with the menstrual cycle, hormonal imbalances or stress. With this in mind, ntpages caught up with Joanne Firth from Safe Breast Imaging, who utilises a non-invasive technique that maps the electrical properties of breast tissue, for an insight into her device.
Do you think breast health awareness is adequate amongst women?
“Most women do not realise that they can do a lot to maintain their own breast health. Unfortunately with 20 years of cancer screening, women tend to associate any breast issues with breast cancer. This fear then stops them taking action to get checked. Nearly half of women 50 -70 years old that could have a free mammogram choose not to have one.”
What are the early indicators to look out for?
“Interestingly, we have found that women can have clues or ‘behavioural’ changes years or decades before a diagnosis. It may be more problems with tenderness and/or lumps in one side, more problems breastfeeding from one side, severe mastitis, or a feeling that something is not quite right. We have cases of women who have experienced differences for 40 years before a diagnosis.”
From what age do women need to have their breasts checked?
“We see a huge variation. We have imaged girls in their teens who have a strong family history of breast disorders, and we see women into their eighties.”
What are the primary breast disorders caused by?
“Hormonal imbalances are by far the most common cause. This is brought on by stress, adrenal fatigue, poor thyroid function, poor digestive and liver function, toxins, chemicals and xeno-oestrogens.”
At what age do women become more vulnerable to breast disorders?
“Problems do increase with age, though half the women we see are under 50 and more than quarter of Australian women diagnosed are under 50. We even see teens having breast lumps and hormonal issues. Younger women are not suited to having a mammogram due to their breast tissue being too dense, which reduces the effectiveness of mammography. This will continue unless there is a concerted effort to improve diet, exercise, get adequate sleep and manage stress.”
Besides cancer what are other common causes of breast discomfort?
“Besides lumps one may experience discomfort from lymph congestion, hormonal changes, scar tissue as a result of previous surgery or from contamination by toxins or heavy metals. Early behavioural changes to look out for include tingling, shooting pain, discomfort or a change in the size and shape of the breast. Malignant lumps can take years to manifest, and can be due to a weakness in the breast tissue. We can see these conditions with the MEM device. The breasts are very dynamic, and the MEM is an active device, looking at active information. Mammogram and ultrasound are static; so many concerns do not show up.”
How does your breast imaging system work?
“The MEM sits comfortably on the breast and reads the electrical properties of breast tissue. We can differentiate tissue type: hormonal, fibrocystic, fatty, as well as lumps, and oestrogenic influence. These are the types of things that can increase risk. The MEM maps the breast down seven layers, so it is like taking an easy and comfortable picture of the inside of the breast.”
What are its primary advantages?
“A big advantage is that it measures both lumps and early changes, and is a compact and non-invasive device. It allows women to get a picture of their starting point. They can then work with their wellness practitioner to put strategies in place to improve their health and reduce their risk. Women like the information it provides, as it often confirms what they are feeling, whether or not it shows up on a mammogram. Remember breast cancer takes an average of eight years to get to one centimetre, when it is already one billion cells.”
Is it safe?
“The MEM is non-invasive, emits no radiation and has no contra-indications. It also requires no compression, unlike a mammogram. No one technology is 100% accurate and we advise women to take control of their own breast health – have regular imaging, be aware of changes, take care of their breast health and act when necessary.”
Is it the same as a mammogram and a replacement for this type of screening?
“The MEM imaging is completely different to an x-ray mammogram, as these devices only look at lumps. Many women have conditions other than lumps. We do not see the MEM as a replacement, rather as another option that women may choose. Many women do not have a mammogram - some women are too young for one, and some women simply want additional information about their breast health.”
What are some ‘breast aware’ tips for women to follow?
“Number one would be to do lymph drainage massage and vigorous breast massage on a regular basis to clear congestion and clear the lymph. We have seen incredible results in a short time. Also, get back to basics – there is no substitute for good digestive function, a balanced diet, good liver function, exercise, sleep and low levels of stress. Above all, maintain balance and be happy!”
Originally published on Feb 28, 2011
