09/04/2026
Thermography is NOT a replacement for mammography—and I want to be very clear about that.
Current evidence supports mammography as our primary breast-cancer screening tool for most women, and thermography has not been shown to reliably detect breast cancer as a stand-alone screening test.
But here’s where I think we, as clinicians, have an obligation to our patients:
Some women are hesitant about mammography. Some are concerned about radiation or compression. Some simply will not have one done.
My job isn’t to shame that patient or tell her, “Well, then you’re on your own.”
My job is to educate her.
We talk about her age, family history, breast density, genetics and individual risk. We talk about what mammography can detect, its benefits and limitations, and what additional diagnostic imaging—such as ultrasound or MRI or thermography—may be appropriate depending on her circumstances.
I’m going to explain ALL of them.
Thermography uses infrared imaging to detect patterns of heat and blood flow at the surface of the breast. There’s no radiation and no compression. But it also cannot rule out breast cancer and should not be relied upon as a replacement for recommended breast imaging.
Then SHE gets to participate in the decision.
Because informed consent isn’t just telling patients what we recommend.
It’s making sure they understand the benefits, limitations and alternatives well enough to make an informed decision about their own body.
And sometimes harm reduction means meeting a patient where she actually is. 🤍
❤️
