Curious about thermography?

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about breast thermal imaging, what makes it unique, and how it can become part of your breast wellness routine.

Is thermography safe and comfortable?

Absolutely! Thermography is non-invasive, radiation-free and requires no breast compression or physical contact. A specialized infrared camera measures the natural heat emitted from your skin.

It can also be performed on women with dense breast tissue, breast implants and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What makes thermography different from other breast imaging?

Thermography looks at function, while structural imaging looks at anatomy.

Mammography, ultrasound and MRI examine the physical structures within breast tissue. Thermography measures surface temperature patterns associated with circulation and thermoregulation.

These different approaches provide different types of information. Thermography can offer an additional perspective on breast physiology when used alongside appropriate structural imaging and clinical care, although it does not replace established breast cancer screening or diagnostic testing.

What is the cold challenge, and why is it important?

The cold challenge adds a dynamic component to breast thermography, allowing us to observe how thermal patterns respond to a cooling stimulus.

During the examination, you’ll place your hands in chilled water for 60 seconds before additional images are taken.

Normally, cold exposure triggers vasoconstriction, the narrowing of blood vessels to help regulate body temperature. We generally look for breast temperatures to decrease or remain stable.

Areas that demonstrate unexpected temperature increases or unusual vascular responses may contribute to a higher thermographic assessment score.

This is particularly interesting because of angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. Angiogenesis is a natural process involved in healing, but it can also support abnormal tissue growth by supplying blood and nutrients.

Thermography cannot directly identify angiogenesis, but the cold challenge provides additional information about thermal responses for the interpreting thermologist to evaluate.

Why are follow-up thermograms important?

One thermogram gives you a snapshot. Follow-up thermograms give you a comparison.

Your initial examination establishes a personal thermal baseline. Subsequent imaging allows the interpreting thermologist to observe whether your patterns remain stable or change over time.

This is one of the reasons I encourage clients to think of thermography as an ongoing part of their breast wellness routine rather than simply a one-time appointment.

Follow-up recommendations are based on your report and individual findings.

What happens if my report shows an area of concern?

Your thermography images are reviewed by a qualified board certified thermologist, who evaluates your thermal patterns and provides a written report.

If an area receives a higher thermographic assessment score or shows a notable change, the report may recommend additional clinical evaluation or follow-up imaging.

A higher thermographic score does not mean you have cancer. It reflects findings within the thermographic assessment system that deserve attention. Any suspicious breast symptoms or findings should also be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Why choose thermography as part of my breast wellness routine?

Thermography offers a comfortable, radiation-free way to observe and document your body’s thermal patterns.

Whether you’re establishing your first baseline, interested in monitoring changes over time, or looking for an additional perspective on breast physiology, thermography can be one component of a proactive approach to breast wellness.

Because understanding your body begins with paying attention to it.

Do I need a referral, and is thermography covered by insurance?

No doctor’s referral is required to book a thermography appointment at Paradigm.

Thermography is not covered by Alberta or Saskatchewan provincial health insurance. Some extended health benefit plans or health spending accounts may provide reimbursement. Check with your benefits provider before booking.

Still have questions? I’m always happy to help!

Colette Dixon, CTT
Paradigm Thermography
paradigmthermography@gmail.com